What presents to bring?

Any ideas on presents to bring over to Germany and Austria? I%26#39;ll be visiting my German exchange sister and her husband, and their two teenage sons. Also, I will be visiting my husband%26#39;s aunt and uncle (age 70ish) and their two granddaughters, ages 12 and 14. Is there anything from that States that would be particularly special? Ideas are welcome!! Thanks!

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I don%26#39;t think that this would be very helpful but why I always ask American friends to bring is Pepto Bismol and Resolve carpet cleaner. There is no detergent that effective in available in Germany and neither is there anything so good for your stomach as Pepto Bismol. Again, this probably won%26#39;t solve your problem...

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My husband is German, here are things I bring for my husband and in-laws:

Flavored coffee- my husband and younger people enjoy this.

Unique barbacue sauces, maple syrup, blueberry pancake mix.

Granddaughters may like Yankee candles, they´re a great gift here.

I´m from CT, so I bring gifts that are sea-themed, but you could bring some NH specalties- New England is pretty picture book, so anything New Englandy. Oh, maybe a coffee table book of leaf season, there are always TV shows here about fall in New England. Even a couple copies of Yankee magazine (even though it will be in English) - the pictures are great- my mother in law LOVES the magazine!

I know this is really weird but I also bring a dozen Krispy Kremes (carefully packed in my carry-on,) - always a hit!!

You could always ask if her sons or the granddaughters would like any special clothes- brands here are really popular, yet really expensive!

Hmm... if I think of anything else, I´ll be sure to post.

Enjoy your trip!

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Gifts that reflect your home city or region are always appreciated --

Coffee table gifts are excellent -- Maple sugar candies would go down a treat -- anything that is special or unique to your area -- your hosts are as eager to learn about you and your culture as you are to learn about them and theirs!

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Oops. Thinking faster than I type.

Handcrafts and other decorative things -- made in your town/state/region -- are also well-received. -- baskets/ carvings/ jewelry....

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Thanks for the ideas, one and all! New England regional is a good theme - maple sugar candies and syrup will be a winner. I%26#39;ll check out sizes on the girls - maybe American Eagle, Aeropostle shirts...a friend suggested Red Sox caps for the guys. As for Resolve and Peptobismal...unique ideas for sure, but I%26#39;m not sure I know them well enough for that!! Crispy creemes and flavored coffees, yum...Again, thanks for the input!

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American Eagle now ships to Germany- it is ridiculously expensive, but definately a growing trend here that the girls will probably really appreciate. Depending on how close you are to outlets- any brands for the boys if you want to get them something would go over well too. This Christmas, my husband and his friend dropped over $1000 at the Timberland outlet- and could now clothe a new nation!

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Well, NH is the home of Timberland, so that%26#39;s a great idea. Also, lots of outlets, American Eagle, Gap, Old Navy et al. I%26#39;ll get sizes and bring the gals and the guys %26quot;branded%26quot; shirts/sweatshirts or something. Having not been to Germany for many years now, just needed to know if that kind of thing would still go over. Appreciate the input!

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Germans tend not to wear hats, even though they should, to protect their fair skin from the sun. They also tend not to be walking billboards.

Many are wine drinkers, and zinfandel is a unique wine to them. However, if you have access to regional wine, light/mild dry is typical in Germany, you might consider carrying a bottle over (not in luggage). Avoid the usual US brands seen everywhere, like Gallo and Fetzer, and go for a locally made small family produced product.

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Another great idea, thanks. Maybe some of the Canadian ice wines would be good (fairly sweet apertif wine) or some of the Long Island Rieslings. I%26#39;ll check it out. Thanks.

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Probably even more than other gifts, they would enjoy a small photo album of your US family. (German houses tend toward the small size, so storage is an issue...keep it small, plus it%26#39;s easier to transport).

Have a great time!