<p>My daughter will be spending a few days at the home of one of her college-classmate friends. Right now the only thing I can think of to send with her is some kind of baked goods. She’ll be traveling by plane, so whatever she takes has to be easily transportable in her carry-on suitcase (not checking any luggage).</p>
<p>Thoughts?</p>
<p>Best is something from your locale that is different from the host family’s area. Smoked salmon from Seattle, for example. Seasoned pecans from the South, macadamias from Hawaii…
If inspiration doesn’t hit, then a nice candle or fancy coffee/tea is good. In a pinch I have instructed my kids to find a flower shop at the destination (absurdly easy in areas with big supermarkets or urban areas with nice shopping) and buy a bouquet for the host family.</p>
<p>Well, I was going to suggest a potted plant but I think it would make a mess in her suitcase! Perhaps a nice thank you note with a restaurant gift card to give them as she leaves (that way they would not feel obligated to use the gift card to take her to dinner while she is there).</p>
<p>I had my D bring a cookbook of northwest style meals to a friend in Denver. ( paperback)</p>
<p>I often take bars of a nice soap that are made in our area. They make lovely scents (all natural) like lemon and lavendar and vanilla. Three or four bars in a little gift bag with pretty ribbons and tissue makes a nice package. </p>
<p>I sometimes make a color-themed gift bag that is kitchen related: one or two dish towels, sometimes kitchen mits or pot holders, and a couple of utensils all in the same color tied with a coordinating ribbon. That would be flat and unbreakable and would fit in her carryon. </p>
<p>We are often house guests at my sister’s home, and I always told my D from her preschool days, “When you’re a guest, don’t arrive empty-handed.”</p>
<p>For small hostess gifts I focus on something local too. From here in Central VA, a can of peanuts often fits the bill. Really, anything small with <name of=“” town=“” or=“” state=“”> on it will work.</name></p>
<p>People often like cheese from our home state.</p>
<p>Dumb question…are all kinds of food allowed on commercial flights? S1 flew home for a visit two weeks ago and said he couldn’t bring his toothpaste.</p>
<p>Toothpaste counts as a liquid. Any solid food should be okay I think.</p>
<p>Just don’t giftwrap it. Unwrapped things make it through TSA screening without being torn into. A gift bag is fine.</p>
<p>I like the local gift idea also and thought of the soaps.</p>
<p>I was gonna suggest wine… but not in this situation 
</p>
<p>The local gift idea is nice. In CO we have a lot of things such as gold plated aspen leaves. You can buy then on a ribbon, and I’ve given as gift knowing that hostess has option to use it as a Christmas ornament or necklace. (Earrings are nice too, but you can’t pretent that is a gift for the family.)</p>
<p>She could take a selection of coffee/tea. That way the hosts could either enjoy it with her during the stay or save it for later. It also would be fairly light, not break and pack well. Most people drink one or the other and its fairly non-offensive from a dietary perspective</p>
<p>Another possibility would be a small book about the region she is from, either with photographs or a bit about the local history or a local landmark</p>
<p>Homemade pickles.</p>
<p>Jar of pickles won’t get past the TSA check point, the liquid.</p>
<p>Dehydrated pickles?</p>
<p>Yum,indeed.</p>
<p>Dang–just had my post deleted by cyberspace!
Anyway, I agree that local foods that pack well are nice–macademia nuts, local coffees & teas (I also often bring candy). Also matching kitchen sets with local design–potholder, mitt & dishtowel. I have sometimes given a gift (like a giftcard to on of their favorite places in the thank you note) or a fruit basket, after I get home, depending on the situation.</p>
<p>Have never had problems bringing food on the plane, except fruit & seeds going between HI & mainland US. Also have to be mindful of TSA & 3 ounce liquid limit for carry-ons.</p>
<p>I recently had the same dilemma and settled for some unique coasters made by a local artist. Small, not too heavy, not edible/liquid, and re-giftable should the hostess not like it:)</p>
<p>I’ve sent a batch of home-made fudge, in a non-disposable, nice ceramic 8x8 baking pan (like chantal or creuset). </p>
<p>And we’ve received pistachio nuts, and another time dried fruits and nuts.</p>
<p>EDIT: Sorry - that didn’t qualify for the non-sweets…</p>