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Gift-giving is a common tradition amongst exchange students and their new host families. As there is immense excitement in the air as one meets strangers who have volunteered to give their home, time, and resources to another stranger just because both parties are passionate about cultural exchange and making their lives filled with more international experiences, there is familiar yet new excitement to reveal the gifts to the host family.
Humans throughout history, as they began to travel more and more, made it customary to deliver objects, foods, spices, clothes, and more from their homelands to the people of other lands. Geographic divides and differences allowed for the development of distinct cultures and practices, and thus it was enticing to those enamored by novelty to see that of other places. Humans, therefore, exchanged their ways of art, ways of construction, region-specific knowledge, and other things. In 19th century Europe, it was respected immensely to be a “cosmopolitan” person who was familiar with the diversity of manners and wisdom that the vast world and its people had to offer.
Although globalization in the modern age has created a more connected and homogenous world, distance decay continues to be a major factor in keeping differences between cultures, lands, countries, and people intact. The novelty that merchants and traders brought to new lands persists, and it is seen with foreign exchange students who bring little gifts to their host families.
While you may be weary from your travels and a little disoriented by a new country, you will remember that you have gifts—familiar things—to awe the intrigued spirits of your host family. As their minds open to embrace you, which is new, they are ready to receive something foreign. You excitedly reveal the gifts—maybe cheap, maybe common where you are from—but a sign that you are eager to form a bond and unite one side of the world with another just a little bit more.
It is often a question of much deliberation amongst exchange students on what they want to present to their host family at their first meeting. This article hopes to present a number of potential gift ideas if you or someone else might be struggling with what to gift their new host family.
Calendar
Calendars are unique gifts that can be very customized to whatever region, state, province, and so on that you are from. They can feature artwork from your area or photographs of the distinct geographic landscapes. They enable your host family to gain not only a practical tool but an endearing gift that shows them visually part of where you come from.
T-Shirts
T-shirts are a fun way to allow your host family to showcase where you are from. You could consider getting T-shirts that represent a national park nearby, a store you enjoy going to, or ones that represent your state or other governmental district.
Candy
Candy is a classic option. While sweets differ all around the world, one thing humans can agree on is that sugar is delicious. Gifting candy unique to your country or area is a good way to give your host family a tasty international experience. They are likely going to compare the candy to the ones in their own country. It can allow for some fun conversations. If possible, check with your host family prior on if there are any dietary restrictions.
A Photo Album
A photo album offers a lot of creativity in how you want to direct it. You can have it feature photos of your experiences in your hometown/area to allow them to have a direct look into what your life is like far away from them. It may spark dialogue about your hobbies, friends, family, daily routine, as well as places you have visited. It is a good way to introduce yourself as well as bond further.
Magnets
Able to stick to fridges easily, it serves as a piece of your homeland inside of their home. It can be of local flowers, landscapes, monuments, or even just say the name of your area.
Snacks
Small and easily transportable, little snacks such as chip bags are a little culinary piece to offer your new host family. It is important to consider what foods are not already commonplace in their country. Think about what foods are very particular to your region. Perhaps research what ingredients or foods are rare in your host country. The more unusual, usually, the more fascinating for your host family.
Music Albums
Whilst a vinyl record is likely too large to bring with you to this new country, a CD might be just the thing to entertain your host family. Music is a universally adored thing that invites happiness and a dancing spirit into the hearts of its listeners. Music from where you are immerses your host family in something beautiful and perhaps playful. Around the world, there are so many different sorts of musical styles. Your host family is bound to take interest in your home country’s. A little disclaimer for U.S. Americans going abroad: American music is very widespread and regularly played abroad so it may be harder to find music that will be unfamiliar to your host family.
A Recipe Book
In a similar vein of bringing food, a recipe book brings something enduring to your host family’s kitchen. They can profit from the experience of crafting possibly new dishes that remind you of home. Food has long been a uniter of cultures and people, bridging the gaps that exist between two people through harmonious meals. Food is an experience to be lived richly through. The preparation activity of recipes lets you and your host family have a fun activity where you can add commentary about the dish, teach them something new, perhaps laugh at your mistakes, and enjoy the delicious outcome. Memories are bound to come!
Jewelry
Jewelry can be a unique and beautiful gift to offer your host family. Humans have a profound appreciation for all things glittering and gleaming. Featuring unique stones, gems, or designs from your homeland showcases the artistic and natural beauty of where you come from. They can proudly wear whatever it may be—earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and so on—and be reminded of the foreigner they have welcomed so gladly into their lives to fill themselves with newfound perspectives.
Cutlery
Cutlery differs around the world. In Japan and other Asian countries, chopsticks reign as the common method for eating food. In much of the western world, forks, knives, and spoons are the standard. In some places, using bread may be the way to pick up food to consume. It really all depends. Wherever you are going, you can bring an example of your home’s cutlery designs. Nice cutlery can feature decorative elements that are sure to please your host family, and they may even adopt them quickly into their home!
Mugs, Cups, and Plates
Where food and drink are stored is also subject to the cultures that arise from geographic separation. Your host family may be intrigued by whatever designs and local marks may be on typical table items like mugs, cups, and plates. These things are easily customizable and found locally within your home; thus, a personal piece of home can travel to a new home. Perhaps it sports the name or an image of where you are from.
A Stuffed Animal/Pillow
A stuffed animal can showcase the distinct wildlife in your domicile. If you live near the ocean, a stuffed animal of a crab or fish can offer insight into the animals that traverse your familiar area. Pillows can also do the same thing, as well as depict usual landscapes where you are from. It can be a nice and cozy addition to your host family’s home and pique their interest on what your homeland is like in terms of nature and animals (or whatever it may be that you bring in the form of a plush).
There exists an endless number of options on things to bring to your host family. Ultimately, you should go with what speaks to you the most, what you’d be most excited to share, and what you feel is a good representation of your home country. Whatever it may be, it will surely excite your host family and bring you a little closer into the home of a new place. Remember! You are continuing a long human tradition of bringing gifts across the world. It is a beautiful thing! So celebrate it! And trust yourself, I’m positive you’ll pick something unforgettable and great! Even something small can spark warm sentiments.
Until next time,
A soon-to-be foreign exchange student.
Written by Delaney S.
July 13, 2024
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