What gift should I bring for my boyfriend's family when I visit?

have you thought about giving them something you like. So you could say; I bought this for you, because it says alot about me?

Ofcource you could also ask your boyfriend what his family is like, and give them something in that area?

That’s a tough one—I agree, it’s hard to think of something that represents all of America. Are you from a specific geographical region that’s known for something?

Instead of going for something to represent the whole country, try something more regional, or even something tied to your own heritage. Seeds from your state flower, for instance, if they like to garden. Or a jar of Grandma’s pasta sauce.

What about coffee and a set of mugs?

Or a gift basket of food.

Here is a link to a site that discusses Belgium Gift Giving Etiquette.
. If you are invited to a Belgian’s house, bring flowers or good quality chocolates for the hostess.
. Older Belgians may expect flowers to be unwrapped.
. Do not give white chrysanthemums as they signify death.
. Flowers should be given in an odd number, but not 13.
. Liquor or wine should only be given to close friends.
. Gifts are opened when received.

Even better, find out from your SO what their interests are. When I met my SO’s parents, I took gifts. They weren’t geared towards the customs of their country, but about what they were interested in. For his mum, I took a small flowering plant because I knew that they didn’t have much space in their caravan. For his dad, I took a bottle of red wine. (Note: Both were purchased when I arrived there and before meeting the parents.)

How about t shirts that say

“My brother’s [son’s] girlfriend came from America to stay with us for two weeks and all I got was this stupid t shirt.”

If they have a bit a sense of humor, you could think of giving this book.
The Belgians broke the world record longest time without government last February or March. link

A gift box of interesting food items might be nice.
Typical ‘American’ stuff, Kettle Korn, Beef Jerky, American candy, chips, salsa.
Maybe ingredients to cook them a Mexican meal like Tacos or Fajitas. Pack tortillas, seasonings, hot sauce and I am sure the rest of the items could be found there. Cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, meat etc.

I had so much fun helping a friend entertain our Taiwanese hosts from last year by cooking Mexican food, Pizzas, Spaghetti, the ‘usual’ American meals.

Products from the U.S. Canned whole kernel corn is sold in gourmet shops in Europe. Maple syrup. Salt water taffy. Popcorn. Boston baked beans. Peanuts. Smoked salmon. Regional specialties where you live. Pralines. etc.

If you want to get them a classic bit of decor, consider Nambé ware. You may want to feel out their taste but something Native American might be appropriate.

I second @Coloma‘s idea. When my SO came over from England, he brought a package of treats. One morning, we sampled them all. It was hilarious to see what went over well (or not), especially the Marmite.

Warning: If you go with this idea, check to see what is allowed to be taken into another country, as well as through security.

I worked for a very large corporation and when I was on a long project with someone I would gather up different products that were produced right here in my state and make what I called my Rhode Island Basket. We have things produced in this state like Dell’s Lemonade (which you can get dried), Autocraft Coffee Milk which is a syrup you add to milk to make a coffee milk and it really good. Maybe grab somethings made local to you that will travel well and make them up a state basket of your own. That way is really personal from the state you live in.

Things we have taken to overseas hosts have been local pottery, a set of American measuring cups (European cooking uses metric measurements and weights), a book with pictures of our area. One item always requested for younger siblings for some reason is Skittles.

Asked Mom about what she would put in. Among them: cranberries (esp. canned), drink mix (Crystal Light et al.), polyester tablecloths, See’s Candy (very good, and not – afaik – like Belgian chocolates), gallon-sized Ziplock bags (perhaps too pragmatic?), music, novelty literature (I own a copy of “How to Speak Perfect Hillbilly in One Easy Lesson”; doubtless there are more appropriate titles in the same theme), lunchbags/boxes.
Jeans were a hot item when I was in Italy. Clothes are risky, and I don’t t know about Belgium, but hey.