Hostess Gift Ideas to Take Abroad
Suggestions for Thank You Gifts to Give to Foreign Hosts
Jan 19, 2009
Students studying overseas need low-cost, easy-to-pack thank you gifts to give to their homestay host families. Leisure travelers and international good-will ambassadors planning to meet locals abroad want meaningful and easy-to-carry items to present to hosts and other people they might encounter. Corporate travelers require appropriate gifts to represent their businesses. Gift-giving is a universal way to create good-will and say thank you. But gift-giving need not be expensive or burdensome.
Unique Gift Ideas That Reflect the Traveler’s Home Country or Locale are Best
Gift’s reflecting the traveler’s home country are generally most appreciated. When travelers give items unique to their state or city, those gifts will be remembered for a long time.
Foods items are generally inexpensive, and – depending on the packaging – can be quite easy to pack and carry. For U.S. travelers, here are some fun and tasty foods that represent American tastes:
- Maple syrup
- Dried fruit (e.g. cranberries, cherries, pineapple rings)
- Popcorn
- Barbeque sauce
- Jelly Bellies (made in Racine, WI)
- Locally made chocolates
- Local cheese
Sports clothing are also a fun way to represent the traveler’s locale. Try these items emblazoned with local or national sports team or university sports logos:
- T-shirts
- Baseball caps
- Socks or slippers
- Key chains
Photographs of the area will give the host a glimpse of what the traveler’s home city, state, or country looks like. Here some items that lend themselves to gift giving:
- Coffee table books featuring photos of the locale
- Picture calendars
- Post cards
More Easy-to-Carry Gift Ideas for International Travelers
Gifts do not have to be expensive. In fact, it’s a good idea to keep gifts modest in price, not only for the sake of traveler’s budget, but to avoid inadvertently embarrassing the recipient/host. In some cultures, such as Japan, the host will try to match the generosity of the gift giver with return presents of perceived equal value. Here some suggestions for smaller items to give to foreign hosts. But be sure to check that they are made in the U.S. and not overseas!
- Pens with sports or other Americana logos
- Grocery list or note pads with Americana designs
- Native American Indian jewelry or wall decorations
- CDs from local musicians
- Locally made baskets, pottery, or candles
Great Gifts For Kids in Foreign Countries:
Some travelers will encounter children on their treks. Children love t-shirts and baseball hats just as much as adults do. Here are some other gift ideas that are sure to please young kids:
- Playing cards with fun graphics
- Small stuffed animals with local logos
- American-made candy (Jelly Bellies, Hersheys, etc.)
- Jigsaw puzzles representing traveler’s country or locale
- Picture books by local authors
Gifts to Give Teens and Young Adults in Foreign Countries
The in-between age can be the most difficult to plan for. Here are some gift suggestions appropriate for teenagers and young adults:
- T-shirts
- Key chains
- Locally made bracelets or necklaces
- Fragrant hand and body lotions
- Themed photo frames
International travelers looking for easy-to-pack, affordable, gift giving ideas can shop locally or look online. Google phrases like “Wisconsin made gifts,” substituting the desired state.
Travelers will also need to remember not to pre-wrap gifts before going through airport security or customs. An easy way to solve the gift-wrap dilemma is to take along decorate gift bags. Gift bags pack easily when folded down and can be quickly filled and personalized with the appropriate items when needed.
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