Liquor is definitely expensive in Scandinavia, and might be a good choice if you have an idea what they’d want. You could buy something like malt scotch, Irish whiskey, etc. from duty free on the flight over (or maybe even on the flight from Ireland to Norway) which would avoid having to pack it and carry it, but might not be indicative of your home.

I usually take gifts that are kind of “from home” with a serious effort at avoiding the tacky. Since you’re from Austin???, I’d hit the gift shops at the State Capitol, State Historical Museum, botanical garden and places like that. You can usually find some unique and even handmade things that will imply “Texas” without being giant cowboy boots or something that would look totally odd in a sleek Scandinavian apartment. I avoid candy as most Europeans think their candy is much superior, although the handmade caramels from the local monastery were a big hit. If all else fails, I have never been in a European home where fresh flowers were not greatly appreciated. Just ask the clerk in the flower shop to help you with colors and the number of flowers — odd and even numbers and various colors have weird meanings that change with the country.

Thanks for your thoughts, oldlady. I ended up getting a few small “Texas” things at the State Capitol that wouldn’t interfere with the look of their apartment, if they decided to put them out.

Thanks again!

Realizing I might be too late… I strongly concur with the liquor advice, unless you know they don’t drink. Taxes on liquor in Norway are very steep—essentially doubling or tripling the USA price— and duty-free allowances are low (1 liter liquor max allowed duty-free). If there’s a nice Texas bourbon or rum (I really don’t know if there is?), or even a very nice Texas wine, then consider that, otherwise any nice US liquor will be well-received. If you know they like cognac or another liquor in particular, then pick one up at duty free enroute or on arrival. Norway is one of a small handful of countries in the world that allow duty-free purchases on international arrivals.