By Deirdre Marlowe

We are often at a loss as to what to gift the people who welcome us into their homes. Here are some ideas I came up with as someone who spent seven months traveling on a bike, and who only travels with a carry-on regardless of destination.

Spice blends are great: Old Bay (seafood or chicken seasoning), Papa Porker’s Dry Barbecue Rub (comes in 1-ounce packets), regular taco seasoning packs, Taijin (Mexican chili-lime seasoning), Ranch Dressing (for salad, or… comes in small packet). You might have a local favorite that you prefer to bring.

Bandanas are good gifts, too, especially for households with children. I have brought flag bandanas and map bandanas. Pencils that have local decorations: NYC the Big Apple, I Love Hollywood, etc.

When in doubt, but far heavier, fridge magnets specific to where you come from are good.

I always carry postcards from my hometown or state and use them to send bread & butter notes shortly after I’ve gone on my way. Yes, there’s text and email, but something your host can have as a permanent reminder that doesn’t take up too much space, is always welcome.

Let me know if you have other light-weight suggestions for host gifts. We’ll print them in a future edition of OD.