I will be studying abroad to London from Canton, Ohio and I want to take a gift with me.The host I will be staying with is a retired lawyer with no children. She has been a foster carer before though. I am unsure what to take her. I thought about getting her some chocolate, but I have heard chocolate in the UK is much better anyway. My other idea was to get her a Yankee Candle and tell her it's a Yankee Candle from her new Yankee student. Anyone have any suggestions?

Yankee Candle ideas is cute.

Maybe something from your area/state that it's known for?

Food. Always a good idea.

The chocolate in the UK may be better or it may not, depending upon who is eating it and the type they are eating. American chocolate and candies are different and that is often the pleasure.

Since you are already planning to be a delightful guest, whatever you bring will just be icing on the cake next to your good manners.

Enjoy your stay.

How about the candle & chocolates?

You are very thoughtful, Audrey.
All the best with your studies. When do you begin? What are you studying?

How about some Ohio Maple syrup?

I found Europeans are invariably fascinated by anything made by or involving the Amish (since you're from Ohio I think you can tie that in). Perhaps a book about them, a quilted wall hanging in traditional colors and pattern, etc.

U.S. specialties like maple syrup, pecan pralines, key lime juice, ollalieberry jam etc.

Audrey, you live so close to Holmes County and the whole Amish influence there. You could find something homemade in an Amish shop that would really convey your part of the country. Perhaps a homemade candle, quilt, placemats, etc. Not to be disparaging but Yankee Candle is very "suburban mall" and I think you can do better with a little help. If you are looking for chocolate, perhaps try the Coblentz Chocolate Store in Berlin, OH. They do all different kinds of chocolate and an assortment box would be a lovely gift. It can't be more than 30-45 min from Canton.

I really like the idea of the placemats. Easy to pack.

Thank you everyone for all of the suggestions! All of the ideas were great! I did end up getting her a large box of Heggy's Chocolates. There are a few of the stores in my town and you can pick your own assortment. My Aunt and Uncle who have traveled all over the world have said Heggy's is still their favorite. I also picked up a box of turtles from there. I loved the idea about some sort of Amish gift. In fact, I go to Westminster College in Pennsylvania and Amish horse and buggies drive right through our campus. I did end up getting a Yankee candle though. The one I picked has a scent called Home Sweet Home. I thought that would be a nice sentiment and I got a jar shade that fits over top. It has a cut out shape of a pineapple which is a sign of hospitality from colonial America.

OceanBreeze1, thank you for the kind words! I will be leaving tomorrow to get a hotel in Pittsburgh and stay over night to leave from the Pittsburgh airport on Tuesday. The program I am doing is through my school and we will have an orientation day and get started within the first few days. I am a psychology major, but my classes abroad will be mostly to fill course requirements and electives. I'll have two English and one modern philosophy class as well as one more class that is more about the culture.
This was the first time I used a forum and I was very pleasantly surprised. Everyone was very nice and extremely helpful! Thank you all!

Best wishes AudreyWilson! It was a pleasure.