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DD2 (14) going on a French Exchange in less than a week - we're advised to take a gift for the family - any ideas?

31 replies

2sugarsandadog · 16/01/2015 06:58

Shortbread? although I've heard this is available in most French supermarkets

Fudge?

Though about a local game of Monopoly but dd said 'I'm not taking that!' and probably impractical weight and size-wise in any case.

Any ideas anyone? Anyone lived/living in France gagging for something peculiarly English? Thanks in advance!

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DisparateHouseMice · 16/01/2015 07:07

British beers?

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2sugarsandadog · 16/01/2015 07:11

She's flying :(

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Stealthpolarbear · 16/01/2015 07:15

A small hamper of British stuff?
Kendal mint cake, marmite, one beer, erm....
Would that be too heavy?

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RipplesOnTheEventHorizon · 16/01/2015 07:17

Teas (nice ones), shortbread, fudge
It is the thought that counts

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Orangedaisy · 16/01/2015 07:19

My mum made a traditional fruit cake with glacé cherries in glaze on top for my French exchange family. Apparently went down well and travelled fine.

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Lunaballoon · 16/01/2015 07:22

Nice teas, marmalade

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eurochick · 16/01/2015 07:24

Naice teas. The French generally love good teas (but usually drink it without milk). It is something seen as very British but that they should love rather than turn their noses up at!

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2sugarsandadog · 16/01/2015 07:31

These all sound really good. Maybe (as her baggage weight will allow) a box of Marmite, Kendal Mint cake, fudge, shortbread and >> home made fruit cake Shock?

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2sugarsandadog · 16/01/2015 07:31

And tea. Forgot the tea!

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MortaIWombat · 16/01/2015 07:39

A British recipe book - trad pies or baking or something?

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Lonecatwithkitten · 16/01/2015 07:45

Tea and British mugs to drink it from (Emma Bridgewater are very popular).

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castlesintheair · 16/01/2015 07:46

All french supermarkets have naive tea in them and I live in the back end of beyond.

Marmalade is an idea (sure you can buy it here though): they like to have it with their pâté de foie gras. Shortbread also everywhere. Marmite worth a punt for novelty factor. Bendicks chocolates would go down well or other posh mint chocs. Not After 8 - I saw them in Super U last week! Not sure your DC can carry it but they love things like Sloe Gin or a good single malt whisky (although the supermarkets are full of it).

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castlesintheair · 16/01/2015 07:48

Yes anything with a union jack on it. They love it. Teens esp love t shirts/bags with them on- a good gift for your exchangee?

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lapetitesiren · 16/01/2015 07:49

Wouldn't send marmite except as a joke. Doesn't appeal to the avarage french palate. Is there something local to your town foodwise? A book with lots of pictures of your local area or tourist attractions. Gives something to talk about to break the ice

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Bonsoir · 16/01/2015 07:49

If you want to take food, Belvoir Elderflower Cordial is good. As is really good Cheddar or Stilton.

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HarlotOTara · 16/01/2015 07:50

I sent Tiptree Jam (little scarlet strawberry) and some nice biscuits when my dd did this. On another exchange, French girl to here, and different family, I received fig jam and french honey. Easy to pack and not too heavy.

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Bonsoir · 16/01/2015 07:50

Agree with castles - Union Jack themed stuff is super popular.

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Bonsoir · 16/01/2015 07:51

Duchy Original chocolate ginger biscuits also good.

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HarlotOTara · 16/01/2015 07:54

Actually thinking about it, having had a few exchange students, the students had requests from parents for Cheddar, Stilton, Ambrosia custard and sherry trifle. All things I have never seen in French supermarkets. I did wonder how the trifle got back in one piece. Anyway I think very British things that can't be found in France are good

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2sugarsandadog · 16/01/2015 08:49

Fantastic ideas - thank you so much. Not sure dd will be persuaded re. cheese although I think its a really good idea. Can't believe the Ambrosia thing! Castles, forgot about exchangee! Lapet, we're in Oxford so the book idea is a really good one - lots of beautifully illustrated books about it. x

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Archfarchnad · 16/01/2015 09:02

I think you're overthinking this, 2sugars. Last time I was in a British airport I saw a selection of British teas (breakfast, earl grey, etc) in Union Jack caddies at one of the shops landside. That will do perfectly. No need to faff around with cheese or fruit cake.

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YogaCats · 16/01/2015 09:49

Does the school allow them to take alcohol with them?? At my DS's school, we were advised that no students should carry alcohol as a gift. He took creme eggs for his exchange partner, which went down well! (3 years ago) Don't know what the new version tastes like though!

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OldBeanbagz · 16/01/2015 09:55

When DD went to stay with a family abroad she took a Emma Bridgewater union jack tin with some British grown tea and biscuits in.

She also took a Union Jack notebook and pen (from Monsoon) for their daughter.

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GotToBeInItToWinIt · 16/01/2015 10:03

We used to have French children staying with us every year with the exchange programme and some of the gifts they gave us were awful. We have a cork screw made out of a log that looks like a dog poo and a glass swan ornament swimming on a mirror floating around somewhere. The Union Jack biscuit tin someone mentioned upthread is a good idea, otherwise just chocolates or something like that. They'll appreciate the thought regardless.

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TheReturnoftheSmartArse · 16/01/2015 10:07

DD took a Cath Kidston bag to her exchange - mainly because it didn't weigh much or take up much room in her bag. It just seemed like a good "British" thing at the time. Food-wise, there doesn't seem to be much they can't get over there (depending on the area, I'm sure).

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