My mother-in-law hosted Japanese exchange students for years, and always kept around a selection of touristy coffee mugs (you know, coffee mugs with a picture of the Space Needle on the side or whatnot – she lives in Seattle) to give as small gifts to the students. You could get a coffee mug from your local area – or, better yet, a big cappuccino mug? – and fill it with chocolate covered pretzels or little containers of Baileys Irish Cream or really whatever you want. Just a thought.
“After careful consideration, and with input from delegates from across the United States, I would like to present to you, my host family, Carrot Top. Take him (please) with our blessing.”
Second the maple sugar/syrup. It’s North American rather than American, but it is unique.
I have heard the same thing about beef jerky. I would also ask a Japanese person (or someone who has lived there a long time) about the etiquette for this type of gift. There are rules that are minefields for westerners. I gave a Japanese colleague a bottle of home-brewed sake just to see what he thought of it and it started this gift exchange (battle) that I ended up with me throwing the towel in.
We make a lot of good alcohol here. Napa & Sonoma for wine, beer from all over the Bay Area (Anchor pretty much created the modern America craft beer culture), and spirits from St George/Alameda, Skyy and Distillery 209 in SF.
A chardonnay and a merlot from Napa, plus nuts…almonds, cashews and pistachios all California grown.
Thanks, guys. All good ideas. I’ll keep them all in mind, as I’m shopping for the gifts this weekend…
An atomic clock?
Sorry, couldnt resist that one.