What to bring to Paris as gifts from the US?
 

We're going to Paris on 6/26 for a week. This is the first time ever for us to travel to Europe. We're very new to Fodor's as well. There are many very helpful posts/trip reports
on restaurants & places to go, but I haven't seen it mentioned as what the people in Paris would like from the US. Please help. Thank you in advance.

There is pretty much nothing that Parisians need from the US that they can't get in Paris, so just buy something once you get there: a nice bottle of wine, flowers, choclates, macarons, whatever's appropriate for the recipients. An alternative is to bring a small coffee-table0type book of the area you live in in the USA so they can get a sense of your place of residence.

Have fun on your first trip to Europe. I'm sure it depends on the person about what people like as gifts. Every person in the US wouldn't want the same thing from some visitor from France, for example. You don't say whom you are giving gifts to, but if you don't even know them enough to know what they'd like, maybe a gift is inappropriate, just a thought. Perhaps this is off-base, but from your post, I am wondering if you are planning to give gifts to strangers. If so, don't, it would be the same as a tourist from Europe visiting the US, no one would expect them to give out gifts to strangers on the street or wherever you would do that. If you do have someone specific you should give a gift to, such as some relative you are staying with, it would be more helpful for those who want to make suggestions if you state their demographics, perhaps (marital status, where they live, age/sex, tastes, etc.). Perhaps because you haven't traveled to Europe, you're just not sure what to do, but there is no need to give gifts to people abroad just because you are a tourist.

Are you visiting friends who live in Paris?

Unless you're staying with someone in their home and want to take a "hostess gift" there is no need to bring anything.

Paris is a tricky one because it is such a sophisticated city

Maple syrup
Or something that is personalized.

Thankyou all for responding. It's a "Hostess gift" for a
relative who let us stay in his home while he's out of town.
He & his wife are in the late 50's, both are doctors and reside in Paris.

Hello vye, in that there are so many rules and regulations regarding luggage these days (what one can and cannot take in their carryone luggage, weight of checkin luggage etc.) I would be inclined to buy some good bottles of wine while in Paris to leave in their home for them on their return. If they don't drink wine some beautiful chocolates, again purchased in Paris would probably be enjoyed. If they are returning as soon as you leave their home a gorgeous bouquet of flowers might be a good thank you gift. Once you are in their home no doubt you will get a good feel for what you could purchase while you are roaming around Paris. It sounds like you will have a wonderful time in Paris!

I also recommend buying some good wine for them once you are in Paris. All of the American products that interest the French are already on sale here (and even more products than that, because some of it is just aimed at expats). If it's not already available here, it means that the Parisians do not want it!

All suggestions are very much appreciated. You all are so nice! Thank you.

<<You all are so nice!>>

LOL. Clearly you haven't been around long.

Wine is usually a good bet.
If they have a sense of humor, after you return home you could send a ball that says "Had a ball" on it. Yes they actually print it and the address right on the ball and mail it with no packaging. It's always good for a laugh. And yes, you can sent it anywhere in the world. We've usedit with great success.

www.sendaball.com

StCirq, you meant I was gullible? :)
I live in D.C. area too. What advice do you have for your fellow gullible neighbor to buy as a coffee-table book? (Beside the wines of course) Thank you

How about a DC Eyewitness travel guide, with an invitation for them to visit your home?

http://www.globecorner.com/t/t33/16981.php

I think buying a couple bottles of good wine to leave for them once you are in Italy is a great idea.

But I also think it's nice to bring something from your home town/city/region. When I stay with friends in Switzerland (I'm from Seattle) I have brought smoked salmon, hazelnuts, chocolates, coffee, or berry jam, just small items but with local labels. Not that they don't have these things in Switzerland (or Italy) but my hosts always seemed to appreciate the thought and effort.

I'd get them some sort of unique guide to DC, preferably with pictures and one that doesn't weight too much. KramerBooks at Dupont Circle has a fabulous selection of books about DC.

If you know they are Obama fans, a nice Obama T-shirt or cap or something from one of the downtown vendors might work too.

weigh, not weight...

Our foreign guests have loved pancakes with maple syrup and have taken some home with them; I think that was a good suggestion. You could bring a "just add water" pancake mix as well, but the french do have crepes. A coffee table book or specialty food from your area has been well received when we travel. I always appreciate a bottle of wine from my houseguests.
I love the Obama suggestion, too. My daughter is heading to Germany to be an au pair in the fall and she is bringing some Obama campaign buttons.
Happy Travels!

I always bring a very good bottle of California Zin.........not white zin..but the real stuff...hearty red zin. Its not generally found in France......nor are our boutique wines..I think only Gallo and Mondavi are available everywhere, and there are so many good Calif. wines.

It seems wine bottles as a gift are popular on this board.
I also suggest that in case you do decide to purchase wine bottles, you could also buy some unique wine bottle toppers, wine bottle coaster, wine bottle opener (some come in a very nice box with other accessories) and maybe a book on US wines.
Sounds like fun to be to shop around for some such items.
Enjoy your shopping experience and also your trip.

I second, or third, the Obama souvenir suggestion. I guess not every single French person is in love with Obama, but when we were in Paris recently, several residents of the city brought him up to us. I was surprised, first to have them initiate such a conversation, and then by their passion on the subject.
Have a wonderful trip.