<p>When my French colleagues would visit the US, they would always buy electronics, especially iPods, since they are a lot cheaper int he US than in Europe. So, I would suggest the lowest end iPod.</p>
<p>I also like the local food specialty idea, and peanut butter, since they don’t have peanut butter in France. I would avoid chocolate, since it is so easy to get there. </p>
<p>Another idea is a family game, that the student could play with the host family, that requires some English, but not too much, assuming the host family will know some English but not be totally fluent. Something like Apples to Apples or Pictionary or Telestrations.</p>