ElizabethB Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 We have a Korean and Japanese exchange student for a month through 4-H. They gave us small thoughtful gifts that express their countries. We gave them small welcome gifts, but they gave several gifts, also thoughtful ones, and we wanted to think of something representative of the country as a whole. We have some ideas and some nice local stores with local state themed gifts, but I am looking for ideas for the country as a whole. These will be for when they leave so I have time to think about it and plan. Anything good on Amazon is double bonus points, then I don't have to shop for it!! We are also planning on making a photo book for each of them and getting them some t-shirts, they both like American t-shirts. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 I'm at a loss for anything that represents the entire US, I keep coming up with regional ideas. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daria Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 A board game featuring the 50 states? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 What age and gender? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arctic Bunny Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 The only things I can think of that are the whole country are things like collectable coin/stamp sets. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaz Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 Old Navy American Flag t-shirts as part of the t-shirt gifts. My guys love them! We buy them every year for family members. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 (edited) I was able to find pictorial books on our area which showed landmarks, stores, streets they were now familiar with and could show their families upon returning home. They were titled: "Name of town" - my hometown. It seems there were several available for different towns in our area. Edited July 27, 2017 by Liz CA 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 Jigsaw puzzle of an American landmark? Puzz 3D of the US Capitol? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twolittleboys Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 I wouldn't focus too much on the US theme but more on the student's likes/dislikes. A jigsaw puzzle of the US is great, but only if you enjoy jigsaw puzzles. Depending on personal interests these might work: A US or regional cook book for someone who enjoys cooking/baking A book of American literature/poetry etc. for someone who enjoys things like that A piece of clothing that seems "American" (e.g. jeans, cowboy hat, boots, T-Shirt). I wouldn't worry too much about it being of the US etc. but more about the kid liking/wearing it Some typical American candy/foods (you might have to check on customs regulations if they are to take it home with them). You could gift them in something else (e.g. a nifty bag/bowl etc.) A football / baseball set Basically, I would concentrate more on what the person enjoys/needs/would be interested in and then try to find the "American" version of it. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mathnerd Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 We bought Golden State Warriors memorabilia for our young visiting international friends. They were extremely happy with the gifts :) I know that you said that you want to give them a gift that represented the country, so, if they are interested in sports, baseball gifts might be an option because it is a popular game in Japan and Korea. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElizabethB Posted July 27, 2017 Author Share Posted July 27, 2017 What age and gender? 14 year old boy, 17 year old girl. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElizabethB Posted July 27, 2017 Author Share Posted July 27, 2017 I'm at a loss for anything that represents the entire US, I keep coming up with regional ideas. And then there is Texas! They like their state and you can get any state product you want...ornaments, noodles shaped like Texas, waffle makers shaped like Texas, etc. I actually liked the noodles as part of a welcome gift, fun but consumable so you're not giving out random junk that will just take up room. We lived in Texas several times during our time in the military. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MasaMama Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 (edited) I know this sounds strange and is not what you asked....But I use Whole Foods reusable grocery bags as gift bags when I go back to Japan to visit my friends and family. (My go-to souvenior/gifts are t-shirts and jerky). In Japan customers have to pay for plastic bags at grocery stores, so people bring their own reusable bags to stores. Also, somehow some people in Japan think Whole Foods is "expensive American grocery store where celebrities shop" :001_smile: So, if you can find U.S. themed Whole Foods reusable grocery bags, they might be nice addition. Edited July 27, 2017 by MasaMama 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 Dips? I'd go for different kinds of spicy salsa in jars that they can put in checked luggage. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFSinIL Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 Beef jerky, maple sugar candy - box of various American treats they can take home to share. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vmsurbat Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 (edited) You've gotten some good ideas, but I'll add a few (we are ex-pats living in Europe): Baseball caps (any logo or none), chocolate chips and/or peanut butter (can pair with recipes for chocolate chip and pb cookies). Chopped chocolate is NOT the same. ;-) and foreign pb tastes.....different.... than American pb. Reese's PB cups Edited July 27, 2017 by vmsurbat 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 Ok I finally came up with something that isn't just regional. Bison are (were) only in North America, correct? What about something with a bison on it? We went all over the country in June and found bison memorabilia in each state from KY to CA. American football is uniquely American, you could also get them a nice ball. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PinkyandtheBrains. Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 Beer Nuts are made in the USA. Peanut Butter. American style gummie candy. We are hosting for the month as well and struggle with this. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heartlikealion Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 I know you are looking for the US in general, but I would see if there are post cards in the shop by your home, to reflect on their stay there. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmilyGF Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 Jelly bellies? They can be pretty and fun to share with others. Emily 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rutamattatt Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 You may not have time to get this and maybe they wouldn't appreciate it, but you can request a flag that flies over the US Capitol to give as a gift with a note saying the day it flew over the Capitol. I believe it is free??? We are planning to get this for our DD's foster family from Eastern Europe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MasaMama Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 Just FYI... I mentioned jerky in the post above. I just checked Japanese custom regulations and you can't bring BEEF jerky through custom. I always bring pork jerky, but I can't find definite info saying either I can or can't. You sound like a wonderful host mom! Enjoy and don't exaust yourself! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 (edited) A starbucks mug Edited July 27, 2017 by Heigh Ho Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 A starbucks mug There are Starbucks in both Korea and Japan. Apparently Seoul has over 300 branches, the most in any city in the world. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 I'd do t-shirts for the boy and maybe a charm bracelet for the girl. Or holiday ornaments if they do trees . . . heck, evening they don't they might like the novelty if American Christmas tree ornaments. I would. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mumto2 Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 There are Starbucks in both Korea and Japan. Apparently Seoul has over 300 branches, the most in any city in the world. Starbucks sells mugs with city or country names on them. My Bf collects them so we buy them whenever we spot a new one. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mothersweets Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 Real maple syrup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lanny Posted July 27, 2017 Share Posted July 27, 2017 Possibly a small U.S. Flag? Baseball caps of places you take them to? Something of Americana, but I don't know what that might be. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.