Many HomeExchangers like to leave a little something at the end of their exchange to thank their hosts so we’re curious to know what yours is 
A wacky gift, something homemade, local… Go wild!
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A folar de Olhão!
It’s a traditional cake from the area, made of layers of cinnamon goodness! Maybe not the nicest looking cake, but the tastiest by far! 
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We always like to leave a nice postcard from Barcelona (which is where we write our “Thank You” messages) and also something to eat, usually a Catalan sweet.
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our hospitality guests from Spain brought us a very delicious cheese and an animal book for our toddler. we really loved their gifts.
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Everywhere I visit I typically try to find and taste some locally roasted coffee and will leave my host a bag of my favorite beans 
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That’s lovely!
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A guest left me a lovely gift box of four porcelain mugs 2 years ago. I love them and use them every day, which often reminds me of our exchange (she was a gp guest). I’ve now started offering similar gifts to my host, I look for mugs that are made in France, but they don’t have to have a ‘French souvenir style’. My hosts have said they love them, hope they do!
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We usually leave something from the UK if we are visiting - often we’ll do chocolate.
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We usually bring a bottle of Vermont Maple syrup or chocolates from the town we live in - Snowflake Chocolates. Always a thank-you card to let them know what we especially enjoyed about our stay.
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I typically leave a NYC-themed reusable bag --necessary for shopping and also a great souvenir for my guests to take home!
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We usually leave a homemade gift and thank you card.
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I set out a bottle of local wine and chocolates for my in-coming exchangers.
Then I pack a thank you card in my case for when I depart their place. I often leave a gift that I think would go well with their place: an herb plant for their herb garden, a kitchen towel to match their esthetic, etc.
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always a hand written note sharing our fun experiences in their area and then something that suits them. For example, you are at their house and notice they drink red-wine. Flowers are always nice to come home too. For non drinkers we do premium chocolate.
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*spoiler alert for people who will be exchanging with us in the future 
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I’ve already made four packages. We’re leaving next Saturday to a family in France on a reciprocal swap, after that we’re going to Spain for points and another family is coming to our home. These packages are a welcoming gift for the family staying for points, thank you gifts for our hosts and a package for the mother of a sister in law, who we will be visiting in Spain as well. inside the packages are very Dutch treats.
I always leave a (welcoming or thank you) card, too.
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I’m a pattern designer with my own small business so I usually make something like a tea towel, coasters or keyrings for our hosts. I look at the colour scheme in their kitchen or living room and try to make something that co-ordinates with their decor.
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How cute!
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We have left some crafts and typical sweets from our region. But there is a key fact: gifts must be light, small and able to be transported on a plane.
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We leave local food/treats, beer and wine. We place it in a basket and leave a hand written note so they know it’s for them to enjoy. We also leave our National Trust membership cards to give our exchange family access to Scottish castles for free. We place our house folder, along with tourist leaflets, takeaway menus etc on the dining table as a nice welcome. Sometimes we even leave their first dinner in the fridge and they will do the same for us. All mutually agreed in advance of course, but it’s such a nice relaxing way to start your holiday.
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First, I like to leave a thank-you card. I purchase a beautiful card from a local artist in my area. It’s easy to put into my suitcase and many people put it on their fridge or leave it out on their counter to enjoy well after the exchange is over.
And, I like to take a beautiful tea towel. I know. Sounds weird, right? Here’s the thing, I can always find a good tea towel that has some type of pattern or picture that represents Canada. I’ve found them with cowboys, mountains, beavers, RCMP, maple leaf, etc. A tea towel is also easy to pack into my suitcase to take with me, and virtually every home uses a good towel in their kitchen!
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