Suitable omiyage

[Ben W Bell]

Okay, I've not gotten some information on my host family, so need to decide what gifts to bring over for them. Any thoughts on this?

The head of the household is a photographer whose hobbies include computers, photography (obviously), cars and cycling and is learning French. His wife is learning Korean. Neither particularly like chocolate. 7 year old girl who likes drawing pictures. 4 year old boy who likes trains and cars. 2 year old girl who likes Winnie the Pooh.

Now the father I'm thinking of a nice photo book of the county of Kent in England (where I currently reside) with as little text as possible (as I haven't been able to find a Japanese language version). For the 2 year old, we are blessed with having a Winnie the Pooh shop in Canterbury so I'll have to see what I can pick up there. As for the rest though, any thoughts or ideas? I appreciate all the advice you can give.

Also when should I give these gifts and under what circumstances?

[nice gaijin]

your gift ideas sound good. Things that are distinctly from your country/area are sure to be a hit; I would wait to present the gifts until maybe your first or second dinner together with them (at the house).

[Ben W Bell]

Ah, unfortunately I don't get dinner there, just breakfast. I'll probably have dinner there a couple of times but it's not part of the homestay there.

[nice gaijin]

well, I just meant that you shouldn't like hand it to them when you walk in the door; at least talk to them for a while before giving it to them. You should be enjoying their company so much that you forgot you brought them gifts (or at least act the part).

[Hiroyuki Nagashima]

Basic omiyage which a Japanese tourist buys in the U.K.
They buy whiskey, tea, jam, a cookie, chocolate in Fortnum & Mason.
However, I can buy these in Japan.:relief: