Your family-to-family cultural exchange adventure or AuPair experience is about to begin. Suitcase packed, paperwork in order… but what about gifts for your host family? While not mandatory, a small detail full of love can make a big difference. Imagine breaking the ice on your first meeting with a gift that speaks about you, your culture, and that is also useful to them!
Forget about the typical “what to bring” lists that only overwhelm your head. Here we propose a different approach: building a cultural bridge through a unique, meaningful, and practical gift. A gesture that shows your gratitude, excitement, and willingness to integrate into your new temporary family.
To help you with this, we bring you a list that will guide you in your search for gifts for your host family:
1.Enriching readings:
–Cookbook with traditional recipes: Everyone likes to eat, and a cookbook with typical dishes from your country will allow them to discover new flavors and aromas.
-Basic dictionary of your language: If you know that your exchange family does not speak your language, a basic dictionary of your language will be very useful for communicating with you and learning more about your culture.
-Favorite book translated: Your favorite book translated into the language of your host family will allow them to get to know your literature and share a common interest.
–A complete travel guide about your country, with information about the main cities, tourist attractions, gastronomy, and culture, will help them plan a future trip to your homeland.
2. Tote bag or beach bag:
A cloth bag with a typical print from your region or a funny phrase will serve them to go shopping, to the beach, or anywhere with a touch of your culture.
3. A board game from your country/favorite.
A board game is a sure bet to surprise and excite your host family. Without a doubt, they are the perfect bridge to unite people of all ages and cultures.
Ideas for board games for the whole family:
-Classic games: Monopoly, Pictionary, Scrabble, Risk, Clue, Parcheesi…
-Card games: Uno, Rummy, Skip-Bo, Uno deck…
-Strategy games: Carcassonne, 7 Wonders, Ticket to Ride, Catan…
-Role-playing games: Dungeons & Dragons, Pathfinder.
-Board games for children: Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, Connect Four, Jenga.
4. Local crafts:
Give a handmade gift for your host family, that reflects the traditions and art of your region. A hand-painted ceramic, a hand-woven wicker basket, a piece of jewelry with a typical design, a traditional musical instrument, a hand-embroidered textile.
5. For sports lovers
Choose a gift that represents their favorite sport and your national team:
-The official team jersey
-A cap or beanie with the national team crest
-A scarf with the team colors
-House slippers/flip-flops with the team design
-A canteen with the team crest
-A poster or painting with an iconic image of the national team
6. Typical souvenirs that never fail:
–A keychain with a typical design
-A mug or magnet with a representative image
-An apron with a traditional motif: A perfect gift for cooking lovers who want to add a touch of your culture to their home.
-A postcard with a photo of your city or country
-A car badge with the name of your city/country: An original detail as decoration
-A T-shirt with the name or a symbol of your city
7. Local foods from your home country:
Share the essence of your gastronomy with typical products, spices, or drinks that represent your country: Some homemade cookies with a family recipe, an aromatic olive oil, a package of specially roasted coffee, exotic spices, aromatic herbs, traditional liqueurs, an assortment of candies/chocolates, a chocolate bar with a special flavor from your region.
Attention! Depending on the destination country, there may be restrictions on the import of some products, especially food.
It is essential to consult the official website of the country you are traveling to to check which items are allowed and which are not. In the case of Australia, for example, the entry of ham, cheese, and other fresh meat products is prohibited without a special permit.
Not declaring these products can result in fines of more than 1000 euros.
Our tips:
-Investigate the import regulations of the destination country.
-Check the official government website or embassy.
-If in doubt, declare all products you take with you
-Avoid unnecessary fines and legal problems.
And for the little ones…
Surprising the children of the “Host Family” with a gift is not just about giving them a material object. It is about showing your empathy, your willingness to integrate, and your desire to make their experience something special.
Remember that, through such a simple gesture, you can gain their trust, become their adventure accomplice, and create a family bond that goes beyond the temporary stay.
Here are some ideas:
-A children’s toy: puzzles, puzzles…
-A drawing notebook with traditional designs from your country
-Set of paints or a craft kit
-Stuffed animal with their favorite animal
Remember:
–Beyond the everyday: Avoid gifts for your host family that can be easily found in the destination country. Surprise them with something that speaks of your homeland.
-Travel-resistant: Thousands of miles separate your home from your new family. Choose something resistant to bumps and jolts.
-A personal touch, not just luxury: Opt for a gift that conveys your essence more than an economic value.
–Check the regulations: Make sure your gift can pass customs without problems.
–Don’t forget to wrap it carefully and write a personal card with a special message.
You have reached the end of this blog and that only means one thing: your cultural adventure is about to begin!
Embark on a journey full of surprises, learnings, and life-changing experiences. Before you leave, don’t forget to read our previous blog, “5 Common errors in the Exchange Experience,“ where we share some tips to avoid setbacks and make the most of your trip.
As for gifts for your host family, don’t worry too much. A detail is always appreciated, and surely one of the ideas we have mentioned will love it. Do not forget that the most important thing is your willingness to learn, share, and live this unique experience to the fullest.
Haven’t found an exchange yet but dream of living this adventure? Don’t worry! At dothegap , you’ll find endless possibilities to find your ideal exchange. Remember, we’re not an agency – you’re in control here. Contact the people you’re most interested in and create an exchange that’s completely flexible to your tastes and preferences.
