Second the Maker's Mark recommendation. It's the only bourbon I know that uses wheat instead of rye in their mash bill, which I think makes a smoother taste. A 1L (or even 1.75 L) handle might make a really nice gift, with an accompanying handwritten note explaining the history of bourbon and the Franco-American linkage. Woodford Reserve is also a nice one. Blanton's Single Barrel has a bottle worthy of presentation, but I'm not too hot on it as a sipping whiskey.
For the wife, if you can gather some photos (as referenced in your previous thread), or even one good one of your exchange student and whole family in front of something in Chicago (it wasn't clear if you would be accompanying her on any of the Chicago trips)--something like the Sears Tower observation deck, the Picasso sculpture downtown, maybe one of the park fountains or the "Welcome to Wrigley Field" sign--taken skillfully, enlarged, and framed, might make a nice keepsake.
