Help I need gift ideas...

[WendyK]

We are going to Germany in 2 weeks. I need gift ideas for relatives. These are people who are aged 80 and above (have everything, need nothing). They need to be easy to pack (not too heavy, not too fragile, not too big), and they can't cost an arm and a leg. I'm aiming for them to be under $20 a piece. It would be great if it was something that they couldn't pick up just anywhere in Germany. Something perhaps American inspired.

I don't know why, but I am drawing a blank.

[Danestress]

of maybe American wilderness areas or something else they might like.

[JFS in IL]

Depending on where you live - small photo-intense books on your area.

[chai]

When I buy for people who don't need anything, I usually buy a consumable item like food, flowers, etc.

What about some local food items? (Of course, you need to make sure it can go through customs.) I'm thinking about things like Vermont Maple Syrup or Minnesota Wild Rice.

[In The Great White North]

Maple syrup is a problem if you're carrying it on the plane, but Maple Sugar Candy has gone over well. They all liked it and it doesn't weigh much.

Maple syrup is also available over there (in tiny decorative bottles for about 40 Euros) but I haven't ever seen maple sugar candy in Europe.

Another thing I've never seen there is candy corn.

[WendyK]

We are bringing one bottle of syrup for my in-laws. I don't want to bring more than one though. And I haven't seen the candy anywhere.

I am considering coffee. I do like the calendar idea. I already know what is out there for books about our area and they aren't all that impressive (and most of my husband's family do not speak English).

I made a whole bunch of decorative soaps. My problem is I made a lot of one of a kind soaps and feel like I want to give them all to my MIL and FIL. LOL I don't want to give any to anyone else. I know I should, I just can't decide which ones to part with. Hehe.

Something will come to me.

And honestly, I wouldn't wish candy corn on anyone. ;)