Food they can't normally get. If you're giving them the gift on the surface, I'd lean towards some kind of sugar-based candy that would just dissolve if they brought it underwater, and/or maybe bacon or some other kind of jerky/cured meat.
You might also give them holy symbols, to show you trust them with something you consider sacred.
Perhaps, symbolically, some soil from your town center in a sealed jar so they can own part of your village.
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A dinglehopper.
Foods they can't get, metals they can't get (that won't rust). Spells that would let them go on land or allow their visitors to visit their domain.
If you are a "people" as in a civilization then you could offer Peace. Land/trade agreements. Promises not to pollute or use certain waters (or to use them under advisement of the Merfolk so you don't despoil it), etc..
-S
I'd be bringing something from a landlocked area that would be useful. If Darkwood were to fit the bill, I'd consider that. A special weapon or armor crafted specifically for the leader is also appropriate.
Carpet of flying? Nifty for traveling over land if they want to.
Atlantis?
Helm of Fish Mind Control?
A pineapple under the sea?
A swanky trident?
Foods that they can't get will most likely be rubbish underwater.
Well, yeah, I was assuming you'd feed them on land, not that they'd take it with them. It'll be super exotic because they can only eat it on land--this will also subconsciously get them to want to come back.
A dinglehopper.
Look at this stuff. Isn't it neat!
Since Merfolk can breathe out of water, the food idea is pretty good. Wands of Mount or Floating Disk could be good as well. Illustrated waterproof books of non-aquatic cultures/wildlife would be good too.
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That magic item that emulates the fins to feet spell would be very useful.
But also pricey and possibly beyond your means at the moment.
Any sacred or otherwise desirable sites further inland that the merfolk would want to access? Making that possible through the creation of canals might be a worthwhile long-term project to enable.
Let's say you were a standard surface dwelling people, looking to improve relations with a shamanic/tribal (but not unsophisticated) civilization of merfolk. You decide to take some unique gift to the underwater peeps as a token of friendship. What gift do you take?
Giant insects, a fine cook and all the spices.
Treaties promising not to fish their waters?
Scrolls of permamanent wall of fire so they can cook food? (Technically it seems you can cast fire spells underwater with a caster level check)
Ever burning torches.
A settlement built on the shore near one of their settlements to facilitate better trade? Think of a dock/bazaar filled with human and fish people.
A dinglehopper.
You'd just offend them with your stereotyping.