What present should I get my Chinese host family?

I am going to China (the city of Xi'an) with my school this April, and I need to get a present for my Chinese host family. It obviously needs to be something appropriate, but also needs to be VERY american. I already thought of American pottery, but do you guys know of any VERY american things I could get them? thanks! :)

First, make sure whatever you get is NOT made in China! :) I go through this dilemma every time I go to the States and try to bring back gifts for Chinese friends.

Red, white and blue American candy. I buy these in specialty candy shops. (Jelly Belly, toffees, salt water candy, etc.)

State quarters. These are a HUGE hit over here! These are best when in a coin book.

Since 2008 was such a big year in China (Olympics), a coin set all dated 2008. Quarter, nickel, dime, penny. You can check things like this out at

http://www.usmint.gov/

Nice, American hand lotions (or British) are always appreciated.

I hope this gives you some good ideas!

Enjoy your trip!

Some Sunkist oranges would be appropriate, but you might not be able to get those past customs. Otherwise, some assorted cookies and candies would be good. These would be traditional types of gifts in which you can put an American twist to them.

I am an American who has been in China six years. If you are going to Xi'an, get them a terra cota solider. Just kidding! Nothing more American than the flag!

Maybe one of those signs that people put on their lawns? Or a specific picture like Mona Lisa? Sorry, I'm not good with these things, lol.

how about an america flag on one side and a chinese flag on the other.

boobs of your daugther!

just kidding!

Whatever you give, NEVER EVER EVER give a clock to a chinese people or family.

DO NOT.

"giving clock" in chinese sounds like a phrase in chinese which is used when a person is dead.

so trust me DON'T give clocks.

Perhaps you can try something cute but cheap? If your host family have children, maybe you can try buying them some candies so they can all eat together. Maybe candies like nougat, toffee, something American like See's Candies but of course some cheaper things would do :) I don't think people in Xi'an have candies like these, but maybe they would think nougat are too hard and toffee too sticky! :D Well just make sure that your candies won't melt. If they opened it and it turned out to be a puddle of gooey things, that would look so good, wouldn't it? Maybe jelly beans, I don't know, but I think jelly beans are really American.

also most chinese people in mainland won't celebrate easter like we do, so easter eggs won't really be a meaning to them.

american pottery sounds pretty good! I'm sure they will enjoy it. I mean I would definitely like it if someone gave me pottery.

have fun when buying your present and enjoy your trip to Xi'an!!