<p>It's winter break after January term. (4-1-4) My freshman son's roommate has invited my son and three other friends from school to spend a week at his home. My son is bringing a small gift for his roommate's parents but I would like to send something as well. Any ideas? The boys are getting along well. I've met the other mom briefly, at the September drop-off. The generous host family is in Piedmont, CA. The kids are flying there from New England and the roommate's parents are picking the kid up at the airport and giving them the use of a car for the week. Thanks!</p>
<p>Nice! We used to live a block from Piedmont, in lower cost affordable Oakland. :)</p>
<p>thinking...... maple syrup?</p>
<p>what about something like candles or do you grow anything?</p>
<p>A nice frame with a photograph of the kids (either already in it or sent later) is always appreciated. It packs or sends well too.</p>
<p>I also think Maple syrup is a nice idea or you could give a book on New England - if you know the parents' interests it could be more specific, eg: cooking etc.</p>
<p>Thanks for the good suggestions!</p>
<p>My favorite gift for people outside of New England is Shreve, Crump & Low's "Gurgling Cod Pitcher". It is always a hit, and there are different sizes, and thus different price points. SCL does a great job shipping out if you order on their website.</p>
<p>Here's the link for the Cod: </p>
<p>When my son exchanged with a family in France, I sent a nature picture book about Maryland. Big hit.</p>
<p>Greetings,
The Shreve, Crump & Low website has changed since this initial post. The current locations to learn about the Gurgling Cod pitchers are as follows: [Gurgling</a> Cods](<a href=“http://www.shrevecrumpandlow.com/gifts/list_g.aspx?cat_id=66]Gurgling”>http://www.shrevecrumpandlow.com/gifts/list_g.aspx?cat_id=66) and [Shreve</a>, Crump & Low - Gurgling Cod Pitchers, Glug Jugs, Cod Pitcher](<a href=“http://www.shrevecrumpandlow.com/history/gurgling_cod.aspx]Shreve”>http://www.shrevecrumpandlow.com/history/gurgling_cod.aspx)</p>
<p>You may also consider a silver picture frame. Can be purchased in your hometown, or ordered online and delivered to their home. I use [Tiffany</a> & Co. | Home | United States](<a href=“http://www.tiffany.com%5DTiffany”>http://www.tiffany.com). That way, if they don’t need another, they can go into SF and exchange it.
I hope this helps.
-APOL-a Mum</p>
<p>I am a sucker for flowers, especially orchids.</p>
<p>When D1’s girlfriend from England spent a week with us in Paris, she gave me a very nice scarf from her sister’s store. D1’s BF gave us a wooden cutting board from home. When D1 visited his family for the first time, we sent a bowl from Mexico with her.</p>
<p>I think anything from home as a gesture would be greatly appreciated. It doesn’t need to be anything over the top.</p>
<p>A box of Godiva or Neuhaus chocolate is always appreciated.</p>
<p>Those cod pitchers are neat! I think I want one. Thanks for all the future gift ideas.</p>
<p>Those cod pitchers are great - I’d like one myself, especially in the coral color.</p>
<p>This thread is old, I just noticed.</p>
<p>It is indeed, though we are actually trying to figure out what my son should bring to Jordan this summer. He will stay with a Bedouin family for a weekend and another family for 6 weeks in Amman. Maple syrup and picture books of NYC are possibilities, but if anyone else has thoughts I’d be happy to hear them!</p>
<p>They also make maple sugar candy and its shaped like little maple leafs. Theres a whole bunch of food stuff you cant get anywhere else. Be careful sending live plants cause they have rules about sending living plants some places so you dont spread bugs and diseases.</p>
<p>@Mathmom-For overseas—how about a favorite cookbook? </p>
<p>@OldFort-by golly-you’re right!..oops…!! giggle…</p>
<p>I’d never send plants - I’ve been through customs way too many times. The candy would definitely be easier to transport.</p>