It depends on the age of and relationship to the person you are giving them to.

I've gotten liquor, coffee cups, clothing (scarf), snacks you can only buy there, and small objects.

My favorite was probably a set of small molded steel (heavier than tin for sure) figures of Roman soldiers about an inch tall each. I was maybe 10 years old at the time, but I've still got them. Reiterating the audience again. I might not think something similar today was nearly as cool as I thought those were, and still feel nostalgic about.

If they collect something, like shot glasses, keychains, or coffee mugs, then you're all set. Otherwise, try to find something representative of the country you're buying them in, or something you can't possibly get in the country where they live.

- As liquors go, try to find a local specialty. Like scotch if you're coming from the UK, Kentucky bourbon from the US, sake from Japan, etc.
- Same applies to snack foods, beef jerky from a farmer's market, really strange shaped/flavored anything from Asia, etc.
- Sometimes the tackier the better.
- Keep in mind the receiver at all times, and just browse around in a good mix of tacky and more credible stores. Whatever it is will just strike you at some point.