Visiting my Polish family for the first time. Gifts and a translator should be with me?

I will be visiting family in Ciechenowiec in a few weeks. Should I bring gifts and what would be appropriate? Also, I do not speak the language. Should I invest in a talking translator (can anyone recommend a good product?)or try to find someone in the town when I arrive?

yes, bring gifts.
Where are you coming from?
Translator?? I would suggest finding somebody.

Eastern Europeans usually stuff you with food and kisses, so talking is not an issue at least at the beginning. Just make room in your stomach and head for some heavy loading ;)

Maybe one or more of your relatives speak English.

I wouldn't like to be spoken to by a machine, very impersonal.

Sometimes it is more personal than talking to a person :)

Yes, I intend to bring gifts, just not sure what would be appropriate and looking for suggestions.

I have the impression that English is not spoken by them and I have been unsuccessful looking for a live translator and thought an electronic one would be better than nothing. Looking for advise to make a pleasant trip!

I am coming from Detroit,Michigan,USA

Carol

I'm sure your family can ask a local kid to do the job. Any teenager would be able to either translate for you or find a friend who could. Don't forget to visit the skansen while you're there. Bring some Motown cds!