Gift for host

When I v isit a friend who lives alone (as I do) we may go out for a lunch somewhere, but also we both enjoy Chinese food but not much choice when buying alone, so either we go to a good chinese resteraunt or also we may go out for a day and then I pay for a mix of chinese food from our favourite good place and we enjoy the variety at her home. Is there some food that is not available often that you know they like? Might be indian or whatever, but it gives pleasure whilst meaning your host does not have to make a meal or wash up

If they like cooking I take a set of flavoured olive oils.
flavoured oils

I always treat them to a meal out. It’s nice for them if they’ve been cooking for you whilst you’ve stayed in their home.

If you're staying for more than one night, you really must take your host(s) out for a meal.
And I think that taking wine, unless it's something really special, is a bit lazy.
I try to take delicacies from my local region which do seem to be appreciated.

I pay for a meal out during my stay and take nice wine if they are drinkers. I might take flowers as well depending on the length of stay, however, I mostly travel by train so that can be a bit impractical. When people visit me I love it if they bring cut flowers. I dont tend to buy them myself as they seem a bit of a luxury, but I do really like them.

Romola

If you're staying for more than one night, you really must take your host(s) out for a meal.
And I think that taking wine, unless it's something really special, is a bit lazy.
I try to take delicacies from my local region which do seem to be appreciated.

Where I live, wine IS a local delicacy! Unless I'm going to another wine growing area, I will always bring wine from a local vineyard. Or a gift basket with some of the by-products they also sell such as vinegar, liqueurs, jellies, or tiny bottles of brandy or schnaps.

The last time (Christmas last year) I took bottles of wine, a local calendar from a local artist, bought them a bottle of champagne and took them out for a meal, plus of course the usual Christmas pressies

Sometimes for the guest, staying with friends for a night or two and bearing gifts can work out almost as expensive as staying in a hotel! But that's not the point. It's the company and having fun together.

Bubbles and / or chocolates