Gifts?

After living in Europe for a number of years, I agree with your European vs. American chocolate comment:) However, I did bring some typical American chocolate such as turtles and peanut butter cups (living in Germany, my choices were quite limited). Though not American, I also brought Godiva chocolates. I think scarves are a nice idea, too - and they are light weight for packing. For the driver, what about a sports team (college or pro) shirt from your state???

We found some luck with Flavored Coffee like Hazelnut and French Vanilla.

Sorry to say, but coffee is also generally better in Europe than in the U.S. I would stick with Godiva chocolates, that is what I did. I did bring a scarf as well for the legal guardian. Do not bring too many gifts - at our orphanage, they were really reluctant to accept anything for the fear of appearing corrupted or something. They appreciated candy for ALL the orphanage kids (mini candy in big packages, kids loved it, there were about 70 children in our orphanage).

I was told not to bring very many gifts. I did bring photo albums for a couple of people with crosses on them, it was part of a promise to send pictures. I also brought candy and some small toys for the children in his group. (he was in a group where there were only three younger children, the rest were older teens and young adults) I gave the necklace I was wearing to a teenage girl trying to learn English, she loved it. I changed planes in Zurich so I bought some chocolate there to give to the workers to share. Because I knew our facilitator to be a christian I brought her a pretty plaque with a verse on it. I also brought a few candles with verses on them for some of the nuns who helped us. They seemed to like them.

Small Christian gifts are certainly a great idea if your children are in a Catholic orphanage.