In Japan it is cutomary to bring a gift, such as a box of sweets with you, when you visit your aquaintances or those to whom you feel an obligation.
I just returned from the store with six boxes of Maple cookies (perfect leaf shape too).
I also bought Ice wine, books for the kindergarden, Dulse (maritime seaweed) and pins with ducks on them that say 'Sackville'. Yes, it may take an entire suitcase to get them there.
Hopefully we have enough for everyone.
