Unusual Holiday Gifts

I need to buy gifts for friends living in Germany, any suggestions for a unique US gift?

I live on the east coast and am travelling to Germany and staying with friends there. I want to buy a gift to thank them for hospitality. I'd like to spend $100 or more.

Public Comments

1. I have many close friends living in Germany and as weird as a gift this may sound like, you should bring them maple syrup and pancake mix. Europe doesn't have the kind of Maple Trees the US has, so many people have never had maple syrup. Bring them REAL maple syrup, not the fake stuff like Aunt Jemima, etc. Pancakes are an American thing, so bringing them pancake mix would be perfect.
2. If I was you I would walk into a souvenir shop near home, see what they have on offer and then go shopping for quality stuff in the same range. I think $100 is a lot of money for just casual friends, but if that is what you want to bring, better get quality than Chinese made 'Americana'. Anyway, fit the presents to the friends, do not bring something just because it is expensive. Something I remember of the USA, patchwork, bring a small item that looks good. Woodwork, carvings and such. Many areas have figurines that are typical for the area, one of those can do. Things with the flag, like a bag or towel, or with the map of the USA or your state. And if you know their (approximate) sizes, you can bring (funny) T-shirts. And if you find nothing else, a book or calendar with photos of your home area, and some 'home made' sweets from your area. (By the way, pancakes and syrup are known in Europe, but the kinds we use here are certainly different from the kinds you have over there.) I think you better bring several smaller items rather than one big one.