Thank you gift which I can take to the U.S with me.

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I need to take a thank you present with me to the U.S. for the lady who is very kindly hosting my entire holiday. It’s so kind of her and I would like to take something meaningful with me. It will have to be robust enough to be in the suitcase without me worrying about it breaking. I don’t really know very much about my host as it’s a friend’s relation so has to be suitable for most tastes. She’s in her late sixties but that’s all I really know.

Bump

Check if the airport terminal you’re flying from has a Fortnum and Mason? Set aside some time to pop there and buy a tin of biscuits, tea, chocolate etc. Don’t wrap anything, as security may inspect it. The shop may be able to package it up nicely for you?

National Trust shops are good for presents if you want an English theme.

I was once a host and was given a gorgeous silk scarf and really lovely colours.

Would she like a book on the history of your home town, especially if it's somewhere really old?

Which airport will you use? Heathrow T5 is brilliant for this kind of gift plus that puts liquids within your reach. Most airports you can look up the airside stores online. You can often buy gift boxes or bags for your items too.

Great ideas, thank you.

A locally made ornament that has a bit of history to it, something typically English. When I did this I took one made of metal (it was an ornament of little fairies as they were into that kind of thing). They liked the British connection.

Lots of brilliant ideas, thanks. I’ve had a look on the National Trust website for scarves but it’s tricky as I don’t know the style of my hostess......which colours she prefers etc. It’s difficult when I don’t know the person at all but she’s obviously being so kind in allowing us to stay with her.

Another idea: a smallish print that's relevant to your region. You could present it matted but not framed if weight is a problem. It's easier if you live within an hour of a landmark or cathedral but most places will have something appealing. You would need to pack cardboard around it so it doesn't bend, but it would be light and wouldn't break.

If she lives in an area with a cold winter, a good quality winter scarf from British wool can be a good gift and easier to guess taste wise than a formal scarf.

Not as meaningful, but agree that tins of nice tea or shortbread are usually good gifts.

I'm sure she will appreciate the gesture whatever you choose!