noun
small gift brought when visiting someone
A modest present, often food or sweets, brought when visiting someone's home, office, or hospital. Implies a personal, thoughtful gesture rather than a formal or expensive gift.
友達の家に行くとき、手土産にケーキを買った。
When I went to my friend's house, I bought a cake as a small gift.
お世話になった先生に手土産を
I visited the teacher who had helped me, bringing a small present.
Compound of 手 (hand) and 土産 (souvenir/gift), literally 'hand souvenir', emphasizing a small, personally carried gift.