Gifts for HomeStay Families
Bringing gifts to hosts and particularly host families is a custom in
México. The following list are suggestions on gifts to bring
your soon to be friends and family. One general rule is
to not purchase gifts of ostentatious value nor in excessive amounts.
Modesty and humility in the giving of gifts is most appropriate. Note
that gifts are appropriate for homestays – to give to your homestay
family. Many, if not all, of the families will have children. It is
not necessary to bring gifts for the Summer Program, although you may
at some point want to give a small gift as a token of appreciation or
friendship.
- Tins of tea, such as Earl Grey, or other flavors, preferably bagged.
- English-Spanish dictionaries
- Little toys for children
- Non-meltable fun americana-like candy is also an appropriate
thing to share and/or give as a gift. Peanut or Pecan Brittle or any special kind of local food good for which your town or region claims fame and reknown is a great choice.
- English and/or bilingual childrens storybooks that can be used
to teach English.
- T-shirts (for men, women, and children) and baseball hats (for
men) with US or college athletic teams, or tourist t-shirts
for your home-town or region are good gifts.
- touristic souvenirs of your region -- mugs, music, photo album, etc.
Remember, that the cost can be kept to a minimum, so long as the item has some kind of significance. Such as the item is produced in your hometown, region or state, it has international resonance (e.g., sports teams especially baseball), or identifies you with your university/college.
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