What would be a good gift for my son's German host family?

Table linens made in the USA.

Germans right now have an interest in Native American culture. Get them something relating to the old west, particularly indians.

I would get something that is specific to the area of the US from which you hail. For example, from Vermont, some maple syrup would be great; each state has its own special “thing” that would be appropriate. You could also make up a basket of things from the US in general to send along with your son.

When I lived in Japan, we always brought gifts from the US to give to folks and they really appreciated things that we commonly found at home that were very “American.”

I think @Kayak8 had a great suggestion about bringing something that comes from your own community/state/etc. However, it’s always best to check with customs before traveling with any sort of foodstuff.

This is why I love Fluther. Thirty minutes ago I had no idea what to buy. I step outside for a moment and now I have a few things to choose from. My son’s graduation is Sunday, then next week I’ll go shopping for the gift. Keep the suggestions coming.

Thank you everyone. :)

A great place to search would be any local tourist shops you have. Thats what I did when I was going on an exchange to Bilbao. I bought fancy Irish chocolates and a pack of cards with Irish scenery. They loved them (or so they said). So definitely check out items that are related to where you are from. It fits nicely into the theme of the exchange.

T-shirts or hoodies of your local baseball, basketball, football or hockey team.

My daughter took a piece of local pottery to her host family, with a brochure about the factory. We hosted three times, and we’ve received candles, a christmas ornament, and liqueur filled chocolates.

We also e-mailed beforehand if there was anything they would like her to bring with her. The dad ordered and paid for a camera on Amazon, had it shipped to our address, and my daughter brought it with her; it saved him at least $100 in duty and taxes.

I like @PandoraBoxx idea in you can get fairly inexpensive digital cameras…run around your town take a bunch of pictures and give them the camera as a gift!

@WestRiverrat . . . why? so they can compare genocides and see who’s got the biggest one?

Send them a case of Coors Beer. It will make them feel so much better about Germany.

Give them a case of Busch Beer, a couple packs of Ball Park Hot Dogs, and a Ford. Show those Socialist bastards what a superior standard of living we enjoy. ~~

A cookbook of specifically American Recipes.

Give them Halloween decorations. Halloween is slowly catching on in Germany, and they’ll be the first people in their area to be seen celebrating it… then soon everyone will.

Why not call the German Embassy here and ask them for a list of things from America which are very desirable but are tremendously difficult or impossible to obtain in Germany.

As diplomats, they must get requests from their countrymen all the time.

This way you get it straight from the horse’ mouth, so to speak.

Another idea, if your son is a decent cook, have him make them a traditional american meal. BBQ would go over well. Just remember he will probably have to cook from scratch so keep it relatively simple.

How about the audio book of

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_C._Davis#Don.27t_Know_Much_About_History

Great entertainment and good overview of American history.

@jonsblond Well, I have been waiting to learn what you sent to Bavaria with your young lad?

@Kayak8 He leaves tomorrow and we are packing as I type. We went shopping yesterday and bought a nice Native American blanket and dream catcher. We also bought a stuffed horse for the young daughter (she’s 3) and a packet of Reese’s Pieces.

My son loved the Native American gift idea, so thank you @WestRiverrat, and thanks to everyone else for your ideas. Hopefully someone else will come across this question and get some wonderful ideas for gifts if they need it. :)