Host family presents

Gifts

Many Au Pairs worry about the gifts for their host family. Here, you will find tips and a list with ideas for some presents.
Are you travelling abroad to become an Au Pair but have no idea what you can get as a gift for your host family? Do you want to make something yourself or would you rather buy something for them? The gift for your host family can help break the ice after your arrival and they will probably be excited to get something typical from your country and to try something that is new to them.
Think about what is typical for your home country and what cannot be bought in the host country. It is also always helpful to ask yourself what you used to like at that age to get an idea for the children’s gifts.

What to keep in mind about the gift for your host family

There are a few things you need to keep in mind when trying to find a gift for your host family. The gift for your host family shouldn’t be too large, heavy and too expensive. It is meant to establish a bond between you and your host family.
Keep in mind that you’ll have to carry it in your suitcase, which is probably going to be very packed already. It is always a good idea to bring a typical souvenir from your home country, your region or something you can simply do yourself.

 

At a Glance:

  • Something typical from your host country
  • Not too expensive
  • Not too large and heavy – easy to carry in your suitcase
  • Make sure to get a little surprise for your host children
  • Gift ideas for host families

    • A typical beverage from your home country (typical wine, beer, liquor etc.)
    • Typical sweets from your home country (e.g. chocolate, pralines)
    • Cookbook with recipes from your home country (in your host parents’ language); you can also make it yourself with your favorite recipes
    • Travel guide about your country
    • Picture book of your home town
    • Something typical from your home town (mug with pictures, bag with your home town’s emblem etc.)
    • Decoration for the home (self-made)
    • Self-made calender with pictures of yourself, your home country/home town etc.
  • Gift ideas for host children

    • Board games from your country
    • Book with fairy tales from your country
    • CD with typical children songs of your home country
    • Typical sweets and candies
    • Puzzle (with a photo)
    • Coloring Book + Paint box/crayons
    • Toys for the bath tub; shower gel
    • Stuffed animals
    • Key chain
    • Play Dough
    • Toys for outdoor activities
    • Mug/glass with the host child’s name