What is her age & what does she like? Does she have any hobbies?

I'm sending our ex-exchange student (from Thailand) some sterling silver earrings (ironically they were made in Thailand *sigh*). I sent her a yearbook the year after she lived with us and I was shocked at the postage (like $30!!!) so I always send 'lightweight' gifts now.

How long has it been since you have sent her photographs of your family? Most everyone likes to see pictures. Maybe a collage, or one or two framed?

Sue

How nice that you're still in touch. We had a boy from Italy with us for a year but are rarely in touch any more. We had two kids from Germany for three months and hear much more from them.

My dtr lived in SKorea last year. Things we sent her arrived in 10-12 days, so you may make it in time.

How about some pretty linen kitchen towels that are nice for drying dishes? Do you know her favorite color? Pretty pillowcases or covers for pillows might be enjoyed. How about a small unframed water color? Lightweight Christmas ornaments?

Do you have young folks of about her age?

Can they do some thinking of some things that she might have indicated that she liked, when she was here?

What is the situation in her country, especially with regard to their relations with the U.S.? I imagine that they were quite good, a few years ago when she came, or that would not have been permitted.

If the presence of U.S. currency in her country does not cast some suspicion on the carriers, how about sending her a couple of U.S. bills (currency, that is) ... if she wouldn't get into trouble in exchanging them.

That would enable her to buy something at home that she has wanted, but unable to afford (assuming that she is not affluent).

If so, hide them well in other paper, cardboard, etc. Might not be a bad idea to open a piece of corrugated cardboard and slip them inside, then reglue the edge, and put a picture along with it, so that the cardbaord is ostensibly to protect the picture. Sometimes valuables tend to evaporate into thin air as they go through customs/postal channels in other countries.

Sorry - can't think of much else to suggest. After I saw the subject line of your thread, I did a bit of thinking, but it was relative to the student being here and living with you now.

Good wishes to you and yours - and to her and her loved ones, as well.

ole joyful

Have you checked the PO for rates? They have a flat box rate & I can send up to 20 lbs to Iraq for under $11.00- Our PO supplies several different size boxes that are Flat Rate!

Donna (^_^)

Sending military packages is much cheaper-- I just sent my dd something to India in a flat rate box and it was $45! (Up to 25 lbs., I believe, though mine wasn't that heavy.

Not knowing her age, country of origin, or tastes, it becomes difficult to suggest things. I'm thinking that something Americana that would not be available in her country, or maybe something to remind her of her visit to this country.

An 'el cheapo' would be a wall calendar with American scenes or early day farm equipment. If you have a good photographer in your family, make well done prints of items such as covered bridges, light houses, water mills, and log houses. You could make photos of historical artifacts such as the Wright Brother's airplane. A replica is in the musuem at Kitty Hawk. Also there is the sewing machine used to fabricate the cloth panels.

If her country made a contribution to the early formation of this country, photograph items associated with that event. Some of the monuments are not well known and pretty mcuh forgotten by our general public. For example, if your student was German, you might photograph the monument to Baron DeKalb and include a short history of his contribution during the Revolutionary war. Look him up in the World Book Encyclopedia. It will tell you about Baron DeKalb and where his monument is located. Also note that DeKalb, IL is named after this man.

If your student was French, photogaph items asociated with Laffette. Laffette spent the winter with George Washington at Valley Forge. There are a number of places in the US that carry a French name. Laffette, IN is one of those; Fort Sackville, now Vincennes, IN, is another, and of course, there is New Orleans. In 1884, the French people presented the Statue of Liberty to the New United States.

Thanks for all the suggestions. You all raise some good questions that I did not answer above. Sometimes I just forget to add stuff.

We had a girl from Germany live with us for a year from July of 2001 to June of 2002. She was here in on 9/11. I'm not really sure now what she likes because she was only 16 at the time and I'm thinking her likes have changed. I've asked my daughter who is only 2 years younger for ideas but she has hit a wall with that also.

I like the idea of sending photos but I'm not sure I'll send a collage because I really don't have time right now. I like that idea for her birthday in April though.

I like the idea of pretty towels. I could make these a nuteral color. Possibly an ornament of some type. I won't give her chocolate because she always sends us that. You can't beat chocolate from Germany, in my opinion. I don't want to send clothes because i'm not sure of her size anymore.

Any other ideas with this info? The above ideas are good so far.

Did she show an interest in any US or Canadian sport teams? If so, send her a sweat shirt with the team logo.

Since she was just 16 wheh she was here, I assume she attended a high school. Send her something from that high school - a scarf, pennant, sports wear, or etc.

The girl is 23. I have a 23 year old son. No offense, but towels, linens, table cloths, etc, seem very old lady "ish" for a 23 year old. I would try to send something to her that they dont have there. Maybe a cashmere scarf? (I think they are like $30 in Macy's) Last year I gave my sons girlfriends (two sons, two girls lol 22 and 19) really fuzzy slippers (they almost look like boots, (they love that style) and a cushy blanket that I got from Bath and body works. They still talk about that blanket. They still sell them this year. ITs $35, they are so soft and have a lamb face on the corner. My oldest sons girl has three college roommates that are always trying to snatch that blanket. They even named it Lammy! LOL It seems from 16 to the early 20's the girls seem to love anything soft and cushy. You don't know what type of perfume she likes, but maybe take a chance and send something that is popular with the girls here at that age. Amor Amor is one, Stella, by Stella McCarthy, Dolce and Gabanna Light Blue is very popular with girls that age. Good Luck.

What about a nice fleece blanket or throw,monogramed w/her name or intials.I have seen some nice fleece blankets at walmart and target for around $10.00.Monograming it would prob be another $10.00.A cookbook from your area would also be nice.

Shelley