The time has come to say goodbye to your “home away from home” and your “family away from family.” We know, it’s tough!! You’ve appreciated all they’ve done and the time they’ve invested to show you the best parts of their city or town – it only makes sense that you want to leave your host family with a farewell gift they won’t forget. (They gave you memories you won’t forget, right?!) We’ve found 9 goodbye gifts for a host family that we think they will love.
The best goodbye gifts for a host family
1. A Photo Collage
No matter if you’ve spent one month or a full year with your host family, we are sure you have taken tons of photos! A sentimental goodbye present for host families is a personalized photo collage of your favorite memories with them. This white frame fits a total of 12 photos, all 6x4in in size. It’s made of PVC so it is both lightweight and sturdy and comes ready to be hung on the wall.
2. Maple Syrup (or other American products, like peanut butter and M&Ms!)
No, American themed gifts are not at all cliche! Wouldn’t you want some unique items from a foreigner staying with you? That’s why specific American products that they won’t be able to find easily in their own grocery stores, like this 100% Vermont maple syrup, are sweet (literally) tokens to leave them with. You may need to pack these in the US with you before you travel. They will feel extra special that you’ve decided to share your favorite with them 🙂
» For even more ideas, check out this article on 9 American Things to Send to Germany.
3. Something that represents your home state
Whether it’s over home cooked dinners or afternoons in the park, you definitely have shared stories from your favorite places in your own city or state. Maintain that hometown connection with a gift that comes directly from home!
Some location specific ideas for goodbye gifts for host families…
- Texas: Texas Style Beef Jerky or a UT Longhorns Hat
- Chicago: G.H. Cretors Popcorn or Chicago Playing Cards
- New York: Black & White Cookies or Lego Statue of Liberty Set
- California: Golden Gate Bridge Print
4. A USA Pendant Necklace to Remind Them of You
Never let them forget their American “daughter” or “son.” A sweet and dainty necklace with a USA pendant is a thoughtful gift for a host mom. Did you bond well with your host sister? This necklace can also be for her! It’s stainless steel and anti-allergenic and comes in silver, gold, or rose gold.
5. Personalized Cutting Board
Was learning how to cook the local cuisine (or sharing some of your tips!) a common meal-time activity? If so, a personalized cutting board makes a great host family gift idea. Made from sustainable wood and laser engraved with the family name and year of choice, it’s a nice reminder of memories in the kitchen and the year you were staying with them.
6. Poems for New Family
Family doesn’t only include the one you were born into. If you’ve established a special relationship with a member of your host family, especially an “aunt” or “auntie,” this printed poem lets you share just how much they mean to you. A heartfelt goodbye gift for a host family, it’s printed on designer paper and can be cherished forever.
7. A Fun Themed Monopoly Game
Were board games often included in family fun nights at home over rainy weekends? Then help them continue the fun with an America themed monopoly game! It includes questions on American trivia and common American people and places. Plus, if you give this as a goodbye gift to your host family days before you leave, you’ll get time to play a round with them too.
8. Wind Up Toys or Other Kid-Friendly Items
Maybe you were blessed to be placed with a family that has a loooot of kids (or young cousins that were always coming over). Of course you have to include child-friendly gifts for them too. With 24 wind-up toys, you should be covered to have at least 1 or 2 for each of them! While they might seem simple, kids will be so happy to have a special toy from their international guest.
9. Something They Really Need
The truth is, YOU have been living with them. Maybe there is something they’ve been talking about or an activity they’ve been wanting to do that you can give as a gift. Host family gift ideas can definitely include something the family really needs. They will not only appreciate it, they will remember how thoughtful you were to realize how great a gift it would be. (Added laughter points if you gift a replacement for something you accidentally broke!)
What other goodbye presents for a host family did we miss?
From sentimental to silly, practical to playful, we hope you’ve found the perfect goodbye gift for your host family. Whether it’s an American themed gift or based on a special memory you share, your host family will be delighted to receive your gift. And we know it’s really more than just a goodbye gift, it’s a token of your appreciation and love for your new found family. Make your last memories count!
Here is our recap of 9 great goodbye gifts for a host family.
- A Photo Collage
- Maple Syrup
- Something that represents your home state
- A USA Pendant Necklace to Remind Them of You
- Personalized Cutting Board
- Poems for New Family
- A Fun Themed Monopoly Game
- Wind Up Toys or Other Kid-Friendly Items
- Something They Really Need