Appropriate gifts for Mexican family?

[000 0]

I am getting ready to leave for Veracruz in three weeks. I will be staying with Manuel's family. I know in Mexican culture, it is acceptable to bring gifts for his family. Do I need to get gifts for just his parents, or the entire family? (I would ask Manuel, but he would say it was not necessary) Also, what would be appropriate gifts for his parents? His father is 81 and his mother is 61. They live in a small remote village. I 've heard there are certain colors you should stay away from, certain items that would not be useful, etc.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Kathy

[EstebanTrabajos 7]

I would bring something native to your state, something that they won't find in Mexico, no KFC please sorry could not stop myself .

I don't think is necessary either but if you want to give them something choose something unique and simple. Also, offer to help while you are there (they will decline of course because you are the guest though) but it looks good. In my culture, I know for a fact that they will try feed you to death because that's how we show our appreciation to guests, through our local cuisine. Eat it and try everything even if it is not something you have seen before, the Veracruzana cuisine is delicious!! by declining you could hurt the feelings of the cook (that I'm sure will be the mom or a sister).

No help here with the colors, I'm from Mexico City sorry

Edited October 21, 2009 by TävôLuDô

[::: kanaiyo::: 0]

make sure you get gifts to all family members...or you will see your personal things get disappearing when you are there....so make everyone happy....

[EstebanTrabajos 7]

what are you implying that the family members will start stealing her personal stuff if they don't get anything??

Do you think they are monkeys?? That's a bunch of BS...do you really know our culture or was a shot in the dark?

Edited October 21, 2009 by TävôLuDô

[Mononoke28 135]

I agree with everything Tavo said . I'm Colombian and our cultures are somewhat similar and yes... offer to help when you're there like wash the dishes, do housework, help out with groceries, etc. They'll insist for you not to do it but it makes you look GOOD! You don't really have to help, but just the thought that you offered is a huge thing for us.

As far as presents we go to places like Ross and TJ Maxx and load up with little things from there. Like Tavo said, things from your state like keychains or mugs, they'll treasure that. My family loves candy as well but mainly because they're curious so I take mini Snickers, Crunch bars, things like that. Oh! and they don't have peanut butter candy there so I also take a few Reeses Pieces, some like it, some don't but they all say "oooh" and "aaaah" when they see something new like that.

Diana

[000 0]

Tavo and Diana,

Thanks for the advice. This is the first time to meet his family. So, I definately want to make a good impression!!!

I never would have thought of those things.

And Tavo..... I know you couldn't help the KFC comment

Have a Blessed Day!!!

Kathy

[LaBeba 0]

I would take something "for the house", that way you won't feel obligated to get a gift for every single person that lives there. I've brought my mother-in-law towels, bed sheets, shower curtains, etc. You'd be surprised at how expensive these items are in other countries...they will treasure it because it's a useful gift, very practical. And then when someone comes over to the house and comments on her beautiful curtains she can proudly tell them that it was a thoughtful gift from her daughter-in-law.

[junari888 0]

I am getting ready to leave for Veracruz in three weeks. I will be staying with Manuel's family. I know in Mexican culture, it is acceptable to bring gifts for his family. Do I need to get gifts for just his parents, or the entire family? (I would ask Manuel, but he would say it was not necessary) Also, what would be appropriate gifts for his parents? His father is 81 and his mother is 61. They live in a small remote village. I 've heard there are certain colors you should stay away from, certain items that would not be useful, etc.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Kathy

Hello in my case my now husband brought my family in his first trip, a perfume for my mom a cologne for my dad, a shirt for my sister , and at that ponit my grand ma lived with us so he brought her a gel for the muscular pain wich by the way she enjoyed so much. (leg cramps) Of course it wa not necessary to bring anything but it was certainly nice .

enjoy Veracruz it is an awesome place mmm the foooddd, i am already salivating

[Chica Yeyé 41]

I would NOT bring anything from TJ Maxx (sorry Dianuchis) - DO NOT bring clothes, not a good idea at all - the hidden message being "y'all are backwards people so you need to go on with MAH style" . You will always be better off getting something more homey - something from a local artist; perhaps a lithograph, something for the house. Considering their ages, chances are they would appreciate nice things like that much more.

Now, another thing --- are they really, really Catholic? If so, you can always get mom a silver cross pendant or something. Find out first, otherwise they will think you're a religious nut

As for all the other family, don't worry too much. IF there are grandparents involved, then yes chica, bring the old folks something. Respect for elders is a big deal.

Enjoy Veracruz chica, it is FAB!

[christeen 966]

make sure you get gifts to all family members...or you will see your personal things get disappearing when you are there....so make everyone happy....

We are not from Mexico, however I found your comment very inappropriate... To insuniate that if you do not bring gifts then family members will steal your stuff??? #######...

For ideas; I brought the family in Italy (when I first went) some locally made Florida Orange Marmalade, Scented Candles, A neat one of those hot/cold modern mugs for the guys with some Florida graphics on them and a stuffed animal of a florida gator and sea turtle for the kids.... So something with a little 'local' flavor of where you are from is I think a good thing...

I see you are from Louisville... Of course something of the Kentucky Derby (unique mit julep glasses might be nice) I bought a candle in Kentucky called "bluegrass" and it smelled nice... Kentucky has some nice handmade pottery which would be unique, and stuffed animals of racehorses might be good for the kids... Also a pretty windchime is nice as it is a nice reminder and the breezes will bring positive thoughts...

Edited October 22, 2009 by christeen

[000 0]

Beba, Junari, Len, and Christeen,

Thanks for all of your suggestions. I've gotten so many good ideas, it's gonna be hard to not buy everything

And believe me..... I love Latino food and you are right, from what I've heard Veracruz has some excellent food. (I'm going to have to pack some bigger size clothes for all of the weight I'll probably gain)

Thanks again to everyone for their help!!!

Have a Blessed Day!

Kathy

[EstebanTrabajos 7]

you are welcome and enjoy!

[Mononoke28 135]

Lenchis TJ Maxx rocks when you have like 20k people to buy things for.

And yes, someone mentioned scented candles, those are always a hit. Same for those lotions from Bath and Body Works. My cousins always fight over them.

Diana

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Lenchis TJ Maxx rocks when you have like 20k people to buy things for.

And yes, someone mentioned scented candles, those are always a hit. Same for those lotions from Bath and Body Works. My cousins always fight over them.

Diana

Oh, I know it rocks. But in Mexico you do not give clothes to a family you are meeting for the first time. It is not good manners. At all.

[Minya's wife 24]

Lenchis TJ Maxx rocks when you have like 20k people to buy things for.

And yes, someone mentioned scented candles, those are always a hit. Same for those lotions from Bath and Body Works. My cousins always fight over them.

Diana

Oh, I know it rocks. But in Mexico you do not give clothes to a family you are meeting for the first time. It is not good manners. At all.

its not just a Mexican thing Len...I would venture to say that one should not give clothes to any member of the family at a first meeting. You just have no way of correctly ascertaining sizes...or knowing what they like. Now to be Fair, TJ Maxx has other items which are also reasonably priced...so it shouldn't be discounted as a store to use to stock up on gifts. Their perfune/colognes are nice, jewelry, and household depts. are also good. TJ Maxx is teh best!