<p>I am resurecting the maple syrup idea. My sons took maple syrup and made pancakes for their families in Spain. It was fun for all and a big hit. You can buy the traditional cans with snow scenes, pretty and no breakage risk.</p>
<p>I love the maple syrup idea…But remember to pack it in your checked luggage. I took some to Mexico in my carry-on recently, and I was forced to surrender it! :(</p>
<p>I have hosted German exchange students and have been an exchange student in Germany. When we hosted a student, she brought two really pretty decorative plates with scenes from her town, a disk of photos of her friends and family and she brought me a sweathshirt with the name/logo of her school. When I visited, I brought photo postcards of my town and an ornament that they sell at the local library, a book on the history of my town (my family didn’t speak English, but it was full of pictures), and a baking dish from my town that had the American flag on it. As far as food- I brought Reese’s peanut butter cups and marshmallows, which taste very different there. I don’t think they really liked them (too sweet), but the point isn’t necessarily to find their favorite foods, but to bring something different. I also brought brownie mix and cheap measuring cups. (They didn’t know what brownies were and my “family” was amused that we bake out of a box.) Some other people also brought sports stuff ( a hat or penant) from their local sports team (professional, high school or otherwise.)</p>
<p>You bake out of a box. I don’t. Big 
</p>
<p>Brownies are great (even from mixes) because they are so unlike any European sweets. I like giving and getting food, because my house doesn’t need any more tchotchkes.</p>
<p>I am just back (hours ago!!) from visiting my son’s homestay family in Provence France. We took them – really cute hoodies for the teenage girls with NYC logos all over, a NYC calendar, a serving tray with Connecticut pix on it, a book of photos from our region, (homemade from my brother) maple syrup, chocolate from the special chocolatier in our hometown. All were well received.</p>
<p>I am sure I will bring something for the host family when I go to visit; at least then my daughter will know the families likes and dislikes. For now I just want to find a little something that is easy for my daughter to take and the family will enjoy. Like mathmom, I don’t want to burden the family with more tchotckes! I taught school in my earlier years, and if I received one more coffee cup I could have hosted a party for 100!!! Of course those little gifts from my students were the first to go in my garage sale! Before you think I am cold hearted, I kept the special items, but there are just so many coffee cups one person needs.</p>
<p>I think we will look for a better table book along with the vidalia onion sauce or dressing and maybe the grits bits which my daughter loves.</p>