gift for my host family?
 

hi,<BR>i know this is the us board, but i will be going to siena for the month of january and was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on what to bring them (i don't know them at all). usually people say bring a specialty from your region. that's where this board comes in. I am from north jersey, about 20 min west of NYC, and I am going to school in the berkshires of western mass. what would you suggest me to bring?<BR>thanks so much!

i should add that they have kids, although i don't know age/sex/number.

How about t-shirts, hats or visors from your school for the kids. Regional products for the family (maple syrup, wine, or locally made things) come to mind). Enjoy your journey

There is an outlet mall right near Ikea across from the Newark airport. They have Harry and David outlet store. You can pick up an amaizing box of fresh pears here. I have given them 3 times and people love them. I am always told they are the best pears they have ever eaten. Actually I think Harry and David's is famous for them. I think they are about $24 dollars maybe less through the catalog they are $35. There are a number of other fine food options in this store certainly worth a look. Go online and see what they offer at the premimium catalog price.<BR><BR>You know if you were going in summer it would be Jersey Tomotos and Corn!!!<BR>

Hmm...I think agricultural items would be out since you're traveling internationally, but you could check Italy's fruit/veg laws. I would suggest a candy or chocolate--travels well, everyone likes sweets of some sort. Or, if you're very enterprising, bring a recipe and any special ingredient to make a favorite home treat. I did this as a high school student in France---made Rice Krispy treats. I thought the French host family would think it was some nutty, tacky American dessert (which it basically is), but they loved them!<BR><BR>Another good gift--a book of photos of foliage changing in the Berkshires, or pens/pencils/notepads from your scgool for the kids.

Duh I read this so quickly I thought you were going to the berkshires. What I would take is something on NYC. There are a million tourist shops and many items would be novel. Can you imagine if you lived next store to Paris? This is how many other nations see NYC. Why not check out the metropolitan gift shop. I have often heard the met referred to as the most important gallery in the western hemisphere. Many of our Europeans neighbors rich or poor have a greater exposure to art and may very well appreciate a trinket from here. An over the counter program book.<BR><BR>If it were me I would consider something regarding Native Americans. Can't believe Europeans have much info on them and I would think some paraphanalia would be interesting. Go online for ideas

Sarah, my sister used to write &quot;next store&quot; until we gently pointed out it's &quot;next door&quot;. <BR><BR>Perhaps her native american item could be a casino chip?

i would like to get candy for the kids as well as an overall host present-does anyone know if they have typical &quot;penny candy&quot; over there (ie, licorice laces, rootbeer barrels, etc) hmm. this might be better to post on the europe forum.<BR><BR>in any case, thank you all so much for you suggestions! a met book i s agreat idea.

x: I was surprised to have written &quot;next store&quot;. I remember this in the future. Now read back what you said about Native Americans, more offensive than &quot;next store&quot; don't you think? Can't help you if you can't see this. Maybe we should be sending you Native American paraphernalia? <BR><BR>American Indian Community House is in on Laffayette in Manhattan emma, a short walk from Astor Place. Last year this time they had Christmas fair with folk art, blankets, dream catchers, books, music, jewlery items, etc... They had tribes from all over with tables. I thought this was an annual event. I am pretty sure they have a gift shop also that is open year round.

Sarah, obviously your state is not being overrun with Indian casinos as is CA. They are now springing up everywhere. Sorry if the truth is offensive to you.

here is the online gift shop link so there is still a store<BR><BR>http://www.aich.org/giftshop/gsframe.htm

x you are a bigot, don't apologize to me, apologize to your offspring. How typical that you can't even read this in your own words. How embarrassing for anyone related to you.

not sure whether or not normal american candy like herseys (not the chocolate but like reeses pieces), twix, etc is available over there, but if not, that would be a real cute gift for the kids. also maybe an i heart ny tshirt? those are always popular. <BR>

topping!

If you know the first names of the kids and what size T-shirt they might wear, consider getting them a shirt with the subway logo and letter that matches the first letter of their name. They're available at the MTA transit store in Grand Central and elsewhere. It's black with the colored circle and the letter (e.g. E for the E train, A for the A train etc.).

how about some homemade (well, store bought homemade) syrup from the berkshires? yummy!

do they use syrup in italy? would they know what to do with it?

x, I am overrun by casinos in my state too. Here they are not &quot;Indian' casinos as you call them. They are run by white crooks and mobsters. Perhaps these casinos would be less offensive to you??

Yes, regarding the syrup, you will need to provide a nice pancake mix (and cook the pancakes for them)as well. My company hosted a dinner a few years ago for our European associates. The favors we gave out were small bottles of syrup (we're in upstate NY). Most people had no idea what they were for (&quot;Sugar syrup? What for? No thanks!&quot; was one of the comments). However, we did have one guest who knew (he and his family have traveled in the US several times), and we often send a gallon jug of syrup as a holiday gift.

Yes, regarding the syrup, you will need to provide a nice pancake mix (and cook the pancakes for them)as well. My company hosted a dinner a few years ago for our European associates. The favors we gave out were small bottles of syrup (we're in upstate NY). Most people had no idea what they were for (&quot;Sugar syrup? What for? No thanks!&quot; was one of the comments). However, we did have one guest who knew (he and his family have traveled in the US several times), and we often send a gallon jug of syrup as a holiday gift.