What Gifts to Buy for a Family.

How about some of Chicago's famous Garrett's popcorn? You can buy a large family sized tin can of it and maybe add a few DVDs or a gift card to Blockbuster video or the movie theatre.

I think some food items to contribute to the holiday entertaining is a great idea. Tastes from Chicago would be fun for them. The Spice House has terrific Chicago inspired spice packs, with blends from famous restaurants and neighborhoods. You can check them out online and they'll ship to you if there's not one nearby. Those have always been great hits because some of the spices are great for grilling, cooking or mixing with sour cream etc. for a dip. Nice for holiday entertaining and they package it really nicely. Someone just gave me a fantastic candle from Thymes called Frasier Fir as a hostess gift. Scented candles can be tricky because everyone's taste is different, but this one is so pretty, a nice holiday pine tree scent that has other scents mixed in so it's not too strong. It's been great for the season and I get compliments every time someone comes over, so I know it's not just me that loves it. It comes in a pretty glass container and is packages really nicely. I've seen it in a lot of gift stores and flower shops and it's also online. A bottle (or 2) of wine is nice. Some of this depends on whether you're driving or flying. A little holiday basket with spices, frango mints, a holiday candle and a bottle of wine? For Christmas day, you could get the couple a gift card to a nice local restaurant -- you can go to their chamber of commerce or google to find something online, look at menus and reviews, etc. It would be a nice thing for them to do together and a nice break from cooking after entertaining over the holidays. For the daughters, gift cards to Sephora if they have that in Toronto. Trust me, you can't go wrong with that and the gift cards are very cool and come in a mirrored compact. Good luck and Merry Christmas!

How about your family's favorite board game? Something for all of you to do together while you're there and then they'll have something to remember you by. Personal items, I'm not sure, maybe some jewelry for the girls?

Have a good trip!

I would buy them thing to taste from your area. Your are probably intestered in what Toronto is like and what is special about their city. Maybe you could do the same for Chicago. Last year, I received really great cheeses and a recipe for a fantastic apple pie from a friend who is born and raised in Milwaukee. I thought it was really nice that she put thought into picking out a few things for me also sharing a family recipe. It is really more the thought. I also gave my in-laws, who are Swedish, a three pack of spices from Penleys..One Chicago style, One Texas style and One Louisiana...I can't really remember but it said Chicago and it was for the kitchen and they grilled for us and tried the spices immediately. It was nice. Good luck. If you want to give them a nice hosting gift then maybe the food thing works better for that. I also like the idea of looking up local restaurants online and giving them a certificate for a night out and maybe bringing flowers with you.

Fannie May use to sell a Chicago box of chocolate. That might be nice for the 1st day gift. As far as Christmas gifts, maybe gift cards to a restaurant in Toronto or store. That might be easiest if you dont know these people. Good Luck!

you could also do a gift certificate to a local photographer for a family photo, or a shutterfly giftcard, something the entire family can use.

I like all three and I'd add a suggestion, remember what Ben Franklin said, "Fish & visitors stink after 3 days!" lol.

Plan stuff to do on your own so they can have time off. :)

I'd also recommend getting some Frango Mints or Frango mint liqueur, it's very Chicago & the liqueur is excellent on ice cream! Maybe 5 lbs of Portillo's Italian Beef with the bread & fixings if you're able, that'd be a great taste of Chicago for them as well. That could be a nice meal you could serve your guests to say thanks...Italian Beefs, maybe a deep dish pizza (Uno's pizza is available in the freezer section of a lot of grocery stores!) and some sweets that are Chi-Town classics. Bring Chicago to Toronto. :)

Have fun!
D.
ps, I really love the game idea, that'd be a blast. If you haven't tried it, Apples to Apples is a lot of fun with grown ups.

** It occurred to me it might be hard to carry this stuff on a plane but you could box it up & send overnight the day you leave so it's ready for you to use when you get there! Then you don't have to worry about pizza thawing, or beef spilling, you can put the au jus container into a double-bagged zip lock bag and pack the bread so it won't get smashed, etc. It's just a thought but what fun to bring a taste of Chicago with you!! I'll have to remember this for our next trip away, too! :)