Gifts - any suggestions

[Scoobyqueen]

I have just been overwhelmed with gifts from my Chinese visitors and wish to return the gesture.

I am stuck as to what to give as I dont wish to commit any faut-pas and also want to give something that is appreciated rather than just another useless item.

The gifts are for both men and women. Suggestions so far include a book on my country (boring), tacky painted plates, wine (not easy to bring back).

What do Chinese people prefer?

Any help would be appreciated

Scoobyqueen STi

[Lu]

A book with pretty pictures about your country doesn't sound like such a bad idea. Another good idea is any local specialty from where you're from, and souvenir-like things. Wine and other (strong) drinks are a good gift for men.

Actually there are some other threads on this, you can try look for them.

[imron]

Just don't give clocks.

[zozzen]

Chinese go crazy with gadgets and tools used by foreigners today, very eager to know every use of all gadgets. Bring them any special design product can please anyone, just make sure it doesn't have a tag that shows "made in China".

I bought my friend a small measuring tape that looks like a cow, and she seemed very happy with it. (like this one http://www.addconsults.com/store/images/measuring%20tape.jpg )

Depending on where you go, if you go to rural china, bring some small coins in good shape. In Henan, a lot of people ask me how hong kong currency looks like, and ask me to give them a coin to "commemorate" our friendship....

[madizi]

Just don't give clocks.

And umbrellas.

[Woodpecker]

What's wrong with umbrellas? I've asked two Chinese friends and they don't know either.

[adrianlondon]

What's wrong with umbrellas?

Googling tells me ... it's because of the word "san3" having negative meanings (such as "dismiss" "fall apart" etc.)

[fireball9261]

Local stamps?

[fireball9261]

You need to post the backgrounds and the circumstances of these Chinese visitors as well as what kinds of things they give you before we could really give you better gift ideas. They are all relevant. The gift for friends would be different from gifts for family members like in-laws or cousins or business associates. The gift for someone from the city would be different from someone from the country side. Same with the person who are more westernized or someone who are more traditional, etc. Age groups, genders, personalities, professions, ... all are important to know.

[bottledpoetry]

this might be weird, but I always bring those minis of ghiradelli coffee and they've always been a big hit In fact, I gave a few bags to family in Shanghai and went back last year and saw they had them in glass displays ^_^ I'm sure the coffee in China is perfectly fine, but I think the novelty factor makes for great presents. That stuff should be cheapo right now too, since it's after Christmas.