I know that this is a commonly asked question, but maybe a slight twist on it because I’d like to personalize the items I bring.

I have many colleagues that I will meet in Germany for the first time in May (after working with them remotely for a couple of years). I would like to bring tokens, treats, or something of interest that is difficult to find there in Germany (Fulda is my destination). I know that many items found here can be found there, but I would like to surprise them with something personal. Many people that know me are asking for things like Twinkies or peanut butter M&M’s. With trends constantly shifting, I was hoping to hit the mark with what’s “in” right now.

As asked, If I was your American friend about to visit, what could I bring to you that you would really like? Obviously within reason, price, and accessibility it could be perishable or not (magazine, treats, video game, etc). Note that I’ve seen posts about food items before, but I’d like to personalize some items and am looking for additional ideas.

(EDIT 1) You are all great! A few of these I would never even have thought about.
Here are two local sweet/candy links:

1 is Grandpa Joe’s, which is a play on Grandpa from Willy Wonka. Soooo much candy: https://grandpajoescandyshop.com/location/miamisburg-oh/ These people even sell a bag of the marshmallows that you would find in Lucky Charms. Just the marshmallows.

2 is Esther Price. A local Chocolatier : https://estherprice.com/

A local candy here in Ohio is called a Buckeye. Buckeyes are the official state tree from Ohio, and the nut has a distinct look. And many candy places make a chocolate candy with peanut butter to look like the buckeye. I will likely bring these for sure.

(EDIT 2) Snow is coming down pretty heavy, and I need to taxi the children around. I’ll be back later tonight and through the weekend. Thank you again for such great ideas so far!

21 comments

  4. NFL merchandise, particularly from franchises other than Seattle, New England, Green Bay or SF. Try getting some decent Saints or Browns apparel over here, it’s a real pita.

  5. I’d always go for something regional. Some kind of saltwater taffy for instance, or craft sodas/beer. It’s also very hard to get cream soda here that isn’t vanilla, so if you can get cherry-/orange-/chocolate creamsoda that would be something that I personally would be elated to receive.

  6. I’m into baseball so I always ask for baseball caps from the local team. Other than that just strange/unusual candy. Your stuff is way more sweet and has different kind of flavours.

  8. Okay, I’ve been waiting for this, general food stuff:

    -Sourpatch kids (LOVE those!)

    -Quakers Oats instant oatmeal (esp. maple brown sugar/ apple cinnamon)

    -Kraft dinner Mac and cheese (so artificial but SO good!)

    -Kraft Peanut butter (or Jif, if that’s your thing)

    -Lucky charms cereal (esp. great for kids)

    Personalized stuff:

    -fan articles from your states/city’s hockey, baseball, basketball team (bonus points if you’re actually a fan) like caps, scarves, maybe even Tshirts, those are always a good go-to gift option

    Combine snacks and the fan articles with a few funny stories about where you’re from and everyone will love you for sure

  9. Depending on where you’re from some kind of Native American items, story books, etc could also be a nice gift. Not talking about the things that might be a bit on the tacky side, but something that has maybe some uniquely American touch to it. I went to Washington State on an exchange during my school years. I was fascinated by the art style of the Makah tribe.

  10. as stupid as it sounds, one of my most requested items usually is a few of those 100 tablet packs of 200mg ibuprofen. My wife unfortunately needs to eat those like candy and that stuff is mighty expensive over here.

  12. It is very specific. I usually love some trinkets from a guest’s hom. Let it be kitsch! . I can buy commodity stuff, like jelly beans or popcorn here as well.
    You come from Main, bring something with a lobster. You come from the South? Something with magnolias or green tomatoes. You come from the mid West? Bring a base cap from your favorite baseball team.

  14. Aspirin medicine, it’s very expensive in the country of its origin. T Shirts have way much better quality in the U.S. (double stitching on neck and shoulders) and Blue Jeans are way cheaper than overhere.

  18. I would highly recommend cinnamon raisin bread and apple butter. Breakfast is kind of a big deal here in Germany and my German husband is obsessed with these items. And you can purchase neither here, so they are definitely unique (especially considering you can find so many types of bread here!)

Leave a Reply