+1 on the tea towels but I recommend the Geometry brand for the absorption.
https://www.geometry.house/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ppc&utm_campaign=brand&tw_source=google&tw_adid=562822286762&tw_campaign=15312423794&tw_kwdid=kwd-887172524300&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=15312423794&gbraid=0AAAAACwt4VNYzMsu9gRfzX3Z-8-wkTzFa&gclid=CjwKCAjw4efDBhATEiwAaDBpbvIjKbS6p6MvzG0-ZBGLnGrTswFhNmx88H5S6QqMI_YO_u-Q_7uHGRoCqBEQAvD_BwE

Anonymous wrote:I have no idea about what you can take on an airplane these days, but here are some ideas:

Everything but the bagel seasoning
Old Bay seasoning
Elote Seasoning
Ranch dressing
peanut butter

PP here - Just to be clear these are an American’s ideas of what someone in France might be interested in. I have no special insight into what French people actually want.

I have no idea about what you can take on an airplane these days, but here are some ideas:

Everything but the bagel seasoning
Old Bay seasoning
Elote Seasoning
Ranch dressing
peanut butter

pecans and pistachios. if they are into nut butters, nice natural peanut butter.

What is your budget for this gift ?

Locally roasted coffee if you have a favorite. We brought it only bc it’s local, not bc they don’t have it.
Also brought good books to English readers. But that’s audience specific.
Museum or botanical garden tea towels.
Like the pecans idea if packaged to meet agricultural import requirements.

Anonymous wrote:My family overseas always wants peach jam and Peets coffee.

And pecans, which are very expensive in Europe.

My family overseas always wants peach jam and Peets coffee.

Take them out for a nice dinner. Nothing to pack, no need to worry whether the gift will be to their taste.

Anonymous wrote:I will be so ending two nights with an old acquaintance (who I have not seen in decades). What would be a good gift, that could be packed in my luggage (or carry-on) to France?)

They are kind, but not fancy people.

I give kitchen towels.
https://www.tessituratoscanatelerie.it/en/table-and-kitchen/tea-towels.html

What about extra virgin olive oil from California? Or fancy salts to cook with? Sugarfina candy> Does it have to be food? Could you bring them Lush bath bombs or something like that?

Oh I'm having flashbacks to the Italy hostess gift thread. I was hilarious. Italians would appreciate a pasta maker.

OP, it's the thought that counts. Just bring something generic.

Maple syrup from Canada?

I doubt they really want anything from America. Maybe a bottle of Trump wine as a joke gift?

I will be so ending two nights with an old acquaintance (who I have not seen in decades). What would be a good gift, that could be packed in my luggage (or carry-on) to France?)

They are kind, but not fancy people.