What gifts should I get my exchange students?

[msomnipotent]

I have a 15 year old girl right now and a 13 year old coming next month. I usually get a Sox shirt since they go to a baseball game, and Indiana Beach beach towel since they are cute and not that expensive, a small souvenir like a pen from some place ( I think they are called floaty pens), a Chicago Blackhawks puck, and a few little things like candy. Sometimes I get a bottle of ice wine to bring back for their parents. They need to be smaller so they can fit in the suitcases. These gifts used to be on par with what the students would gift us. However, the gifts are getting more and more expensive every year. I got a silk scarf and perfume last year, and there were equally expensive gifts for my husband and daughter. This year, I got a Longchamps purse and some spices, my daughter got a huge L'Occitane gift set (just the cologne was $59), and I forgot what my husband got, but I'm sure it was equally expensive.

The kids seem to like the floaty pens and puck the most since they are unusual. They are all a little too sophisticated to be seen wearing something like a hi-vis green Wisconsin Dells shirt. I wasn't planning on upping my game since I'm having a surprise 16th birthday party for the now 15 year old which will have to include dinner for all of the students, and we will probably be taking the 13 year old to a Panic At the Disco concert next month. Those can get spendy. I'm at a loss at what else I should get.

[disneysteve]

I don't think your gifts necessarily need to match their gifts dollar for dollar. I'm also curious if they bought their gifts here or brought them with them from home. Keep in mind that prices may be different where they're from so things might not be as expensive as you think. Plus, YOU'RE the host. It makes a lot more sense for them to give you a costly gift to thank you for housing them than for you to give them one. I think what you give them is more of a token thing and a souvenir for them to remember you by, which is very nice of you.

Since you're already doing the party and concert, I think you can stick with the things you've done in the past.

[scfr]

The gifts you are giving sound very thoughtful.
I say stick with what you are doing.
(I was an exchange student way back in the day. I'm still in touch with my homestay mom and value our relationship.)

[PierceFerdy]

As scfr says, i'd say stick to your guns and go with your gut. Those gifts sound great <3

[msomnipotent]

Thanks everyone. This birthday party is turning out to be more than expected. Our group leader invited all of the families, not just the exchange students. I have no idea how many people are coming and the party is tomorrow. I can just make a double batch of pasta and buy a bigger salad, and when it is gone it is gone. But it was supposed to be a pool party and the forecast is for rain. I have no idea what to do with them if we can't use the pool. And I'm going to be in trouble with the association if there is more than 50 in the club house.

To make matters worse, I found out that my daughter has to be on the opposite side of town at the same time the party is going, so I have to get everything ready before I leave and hope that my husband can handle opening the door and turning the stereo on. I give 50/50 odds.

[msomnipotent]

I don't think your gifts necessarily need to match their gifts dollar for dollar. I'm also curious if they bought their gifts here or brought them with them from home. Keep in mind that prices may be different where they're from so things might not be as expensive as you think. Plus, YOU'RE the host. It makes a lot more sense for them to give you a costly gift to thank you for housing them than for you to give them one. I think what you give them is more of a token thing and a souvenir for them to remember you by, which is very nice of you.

Since you're already doing the party and concert, I think you can stick with the things you've done in the past.

I'm assuming they usually buy them at a local mall or at the duty free shops. I know the Euro is at $1.17, so it might be a little less expensive for them.