The Best Gifts from America to Take to Europe in 2024
Struggling to find the perfect gift for your European friends or family on your upcoming trip? As an American living abroad, I’ve got you covered! This guide is packed with inspiration to help you discover unique gifts made in the USA that make unique souvenirs and thoughtful gifts for foreigners.
When I moved back to France, I did a lot of research on gifts from the United States to bring my friends. I came across lots of junk food recs that aren’t readily available in Europe, but it was a challenge to find something for more sophisticated tastes — I didn’t want to offer my boyfriend’s French parents a box of strawberry Pop-Tarts! Fortunately, I was able to find several excellent ideas worth sharing with those who might also be looking for gift ideas from America.
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American Gifts for the Host or Hostess
Honey, Jam and Spreads
Honeys and jams are a classic gift for almost anyone. For jam, go beyond the ordinary with varieties that aren’t found in Europe like Meyer lemon, boysenberry, or pumpkin. You can even look for unique infusions like bourbon peach jam or spicy jalapeño pepper jelly. Seasonal jams made with fresh, local fruits like blueberries in summer or tart cranberries for the holidays also make thoughtful presents.
For honey, try American varieties like Tupelo or Mesquite. Check out your farmer’s market and gourmet food stores to find other local varieties.
Pair your honey or jam with a selection of gourmet crackers or artisan breads for a complete and delightful gift basket!
Chocolates
Another simple gift idea from the US is chocolate! While Europe boasts renowned chocolatiers, you can still find excellent American chocolate to offer your foreign friends.
Unlike generic milk chocolate bars, focus on distinct American flavors and artisanal craftsmanship. Christopher Elbow is my favorite chocolatier who makes unique, handcrafted treats like butterscotch bourbon bonbons and peanut butter & toasted corn chocolate bars for a gourmet taste of America that Europeans will appreciate.
Chocolate-covered fruits and nuts also make a wonderful gift — try macadamia nuts, sunflower seeds, cherries, or cranberries that are unique to America. I would opt for dark chocolate and avoid anything too sweet; my experience has been that European people don’t enjoy anything overly sugary.
Alcoholic Beverages
If there's space in your luggage, American alcohol can make wonderful gifts.
While American beer may not be a novelty for most Europeans, the craft beer scene in the USA is a whole different story. If your host enjoys a good brew, consider bringing a selection of craft beers from your region. Look for small-batch brews with unique flavor profiles, or beers that utilize local ingredients.
For wine enthusiasts, bring a bottle from an American wine region—California wine, in particular, is a delight even for your French friends (many of them have probably never tried it!).
Whiskey lovers? The USA boasts a rich history of bourbon production, particularly in Kentucky. A bottle of small-batch bourbon, or perhaps a rye whiskey from a local distillery, will be an excellent gift for any spirit aficionado.
American spirits extend beyond whiskey. Consider a bottle of smooth American craft gin, perfect for summer cocktails. For a truly unique gift, explore regional American spirits like moonshine (but be sure to check customs regulations for your destination country!).
Remember weight restrictions for liquids when flying—opt for smaller bottles or cans.
Cheese
Many Europeans have never tried American cheese, which makes it a fun gift for the adventurous, open-minded host.
Avoid the cheap, artificial cheeses found at most grocery stores. Instead, head to your local cheese shop to find unique varieties and regional specialties. Look for aged cheddars boasting a complex flavor profile, sharp and tangy blues, creamy goat cheeses, or the unique nuttiness of Dry Jack cheese.
Pair your cheese selection with gourmet crackers, artisan bread, and perhaps a small jar of local honey or jam to create a delightful and unexpected American cheese gift basket.
Note that some countries have restrictions on bringing in dairy products. Check with your airline about regulations for transporting cheese internationally.
American Pantry Staples
There's a certain joy in sharing the staples that define American home cooking. Curate a gift basket filled with unique American pantry staples that will add a touch of the USA to your host's kitchen.
A bottle of real maple syrup is perfect for drizzling over pancakes, waffles and even ice cream. My boyfriend’s French family loved it on crepes too!
Spice up their meals with smoky chipotle peppers for a taste of the Southwest, fragrant Cajun seasoning for a spicy kick, or a selection of locally sourced dried herbs specific to your region. The Everything But the Bagel Seasoning is one of my favorite seasonings that would also make a unique gift!
Sauces are a versatile and appreciated gift. Share the tangy goodness of a classic American barbecue sauce, perfect for grilled meats or adding a smoky kick to stews. Hot sauces can also be a thoughtful gift, but keep in mind your host's spice preference and choose accordingly.
For a touch of Southern charm, consider a jar of sorghum molasses, adding a rich, caramelized depth to baked goods and barbecue sauces, or grits — perfect for a hearty Southern breakfast.
For baking enthusiasts, a bag of pecan halves or chopped walnuts will elevate their pastries and cookies. Don't forget the classic – a box of American pancake mix for a fun and easy breakfast, perfect for families with kids.
Pair your gift with a recipe card or cookbook featuring a classic American dish that utilizes the ingredients you've chosen. This will give your hosts inspiration on how to use ingredients they might not be familiar with.
When choosing food items, be mindful of customs regulations and potential allergies. Opt for dry goods and shelf-stable ingredients for easier travel.
Homemade Meal or Dessert
Looking to truly impress your European foodie friends? If you don’t want to lug a physical gift, offer to make a traditional American meal or dessert! This allows your hosts to experience unique American ingredients and enjoy authentic cuisine they may not be familiar with.
A flavorful chili and warm cornbread are perfect for a fall or winter meal. Buttery drop biscuits and gravy make a delicious breakfast. Pumpkin bread, blueberry cobbler, or a red velvet cake are just a few dessert ideas.
Ensure you have the necessary equipment to prepare your dish, as measuring cups may not be readily available. You can also make your meal at home and bring it with you. When visiting my French friends, I brought along a batch of homemade puppy chow, and they absolutely adored it!
Coffee Table Books
For a thoughtful and visually appealing gift, consider a coffee table book that showcases the beauty and diversity of America. If you know your host's interests, choose a book that caters to them. For a history buff, a book on the American Civil War might be a hit, while a music lover would appreciate a book on the rise of jazz music.
America has some breathtaking scenery. Consider choosing a book highlighting the grandeur of the National Parks, the rugged coastlines of California, or the fall foliage of New England. Explore the regional cuisines of America with a coffee table book featuring the fresh seafood of the Pacific Northwest or the rich barbecue traditions of the South.
Is your host an art enthusiast? Consider a book highlighting the works of renowned American artists like Andy Warhol or Georgia O'Keeffe. For the fashion lover, a coffee table book showcasing iconic American fashion trends or the works of celebrated American designers like Ralph Lauren or Tom Ford would be a stylish choice.
While major cities like New York and Los Angeles are well-known, delve deeper into the heart of America with a book exploring the beauty and culture of lesser-known regions. This is a great opportunity to check out books on your own city or region. Books on iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge or the Statue of Liberty also make lovely gifts.
Local Products
Move beyond the typical American gifts for foreigners like Statue of Liberty replicas and generic souvenirs. The United States is a melting pot of cultures, so why showcase the unique flavor of your hometown with your gift?
Look for handcrafted American-made gifts and local specialties created by artisans in your city or region. Not only do they make thoughtful gifts, but they also support small businesses!
Most foreigners are familiar with the big cities like New York and Los Angeles. Bringing a local treat or product introduces them to a different side of America they may not have known about.
I used this approach for my boyfriend's grandpa who's from Paris. Since I'm from Kansas City, nicknamed the "Paris of the Plains," I brought him a small dish towel with that inscription. It became a fun way to connect our two cities through a little piece of home!
American Gifts for the Junk Foodie
Choosing a gift for those with more sophisticated tastes may seem daunting, but catering to the junk foodie is as easy as pie. The United States has several different candies and snack foods that don’t exist in many European countries.
Consider packing a small "American Snack Pack" with unique candies or popular American snacks that your international friends might not have tried before. It's a fun and affordable way to share a taste of American snack culture.
Below is a list of some uniquely American junk foods that your European friends may not have tried.
Chocolate
Reese's
M&M’s (Birthday Cake, Peanut Butter, Pretzel)
Hershey's Cookies & Creme
100 Grand
Butterfinger
Babe Ruth
Take 5
Candy
Pop Rocks
Mike & Ike’s
Red Hots
Nerds Rope
Gobstoppers
SweeTarts
Laffy Taffy
Candy Corn
Swedish Fish
Sour Patch Kids
Twizzlers
Red Vines
Jolly Rancher
Warheads
Peeps
Cookies & Cakes
Girl Scout cookies
Pop Tarts
Zebra Cakes
Oreos (Red Velvet, Birthday Cake, Candy Cane)
Red Velvet cake
Twinkies
Snowballs
Ding Dongs
Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies
Puppy Chow
Moon Pie
Salty Snacks
Cheez-Its
Goldfish
Popcorn (Sriracha, Pickle)
Ranch-flavored snacks
BBQ-flavored snacks
Corn Nuts
Cheetos
Flaming Hot Cheetos
Beef Jerky
Takis Fuego
Boulder Canyon Jalapeno Cheddar
Snyder's Honey Mustard Pretzels Pieces
Flipz
Funyuns
Gardettos
Fritos
Bugles
Beverages
Root Beer
Kool-Aid
Fanta
Mountain Dew
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While this guide focuses on American gifts for Europeans, many of these ideas translate well for anyone you might be visiting overseas.
Always remember to research local customs when gifting, and keep in mind any cultural taboos or preferences.
Especially if you're flying, bulky souvenirs might not be the best choice, so think about the weight and size of your gift too.
Finding the right present for someone in another country can be tricky, but with these tips and ideas in mind, I’m sure you’ll discover the perfect gift from the US to impress your friends and family abroad.
What are your favorite gifts from America to take to Europe? Let me know in the comments below.
