Gift for host

Thank you for all the suggestions

Usually I would take a jar or two of home-made jam. Even my jam-making friends are happy to have a change.

While staying I take the hosts out for a meal - either to a restaurant I have researched or one of their suggestion.

Always send a thankyou card once I am back home, with an offer to return the favour if they would like.

Favourite gift I have received from a guest is a wooden cheese board that they made themselves. I use it nearly every day.

All the above, and if they are collecting anything special, maybe a piece of china.

Our dog takes biscuits for his mates if we are staying with people who also have dogs!

I tend to take my friend out for lunch or evening meal whilst there and pay for some grocery items that are a bit more luxurious.
I would never give anything 'perfumed' as it's such an individual thing, unless I knew of something she/he really liked.

If I were the host, I'd be grateful for anything I could consume, like good local cheeses or fruit in season. But be careful in case someone is diabetic, gluten- or dairy-free, teetotal or a born-again vegan. At least they can't eat a bunch of flowers.

I like to give a luxury item such as bath products - something that is just for the hostess, and won't be absorbed into the food and drink during the stay. For that, I would bring something to drink and if there is a delicacy local to you I'd get some of that to take. If not, a nice box of chocolates to share.

Flowers?
Chocolates and/ or wine for one or two days and send flowers afterwards.
Longer stay? Take them out for a meal (or outing) at your expense. Do bits of shopping if needed, or buy a gift like local honey if visiting a gift shop whilst there.

We just had an overnight stop with friends, I took a plant, 2 loaves of homemade bread and a bottle of Cremant de Loire.