gifts

[hawkeyez 45]

I will meet her mother, brother,sister and 13 year old daughter in September when I travel to Xian for business, by then we should almost have her visa. Any idea what the customs are as far as gifts for her family?

[MuDelphi 159]

Are they city people or country people? Also, they will all probably want hongbaos full of cash, that is pretty universal.

[hawkeyez 45]

Mid size city. Yuncheng about 2.5 hour bus ride East of Xi'an.

How much is standard ?

[MuDelphi 159]

Oh, cool! I've been to Yuncheng many times, also to Yongji, just to the south.

There are some things that many Chinese people come exclusively to USA to purchase; cosmetics, luxury goods, etc. If its something that is like Estée Lauder, which is an American company, and also made in the States, that is a nice gift. I've had gifts that were American companies, but made in China, laughed or scoffed at ironically. Coach bags are popular with many Chinese women, but made in China.

But maybe they just want RMB and some food. I'd ask your fiance what is her family like. My wife's mom really didn't know what to do with the perfume and lotion I brought; I think she would have preferred a live duck or some bags of vegetables.

Focus most of your gift budget on mom.

[hawkeyez 45]

Oh, cool! I've been to Yuncheng many times, also to Yongji, just to the south.

There are some things that many Chinese people come exclusively to USA to purchase; cosmetics, luxury goods, etc. If its something that is like Estée Lauder, which is an American company, and also made in the States, that is a nice gift. I've had gifts that were American companies, but made in China, laughed or scoffed at ironically. Coach bags are popular with many Chinese women, but made in China.

But maybe they just want RMB and some food. I'd ask your fiance what is her family like. My wife's mom really didn't know what to do with the perfume and lotion I brought; I think she would have preferred a live duck or some bags of vegetables.

Focus most of your gift budget on mom.

Great advice.! Thanks

Tell me about Yuncheng.

[ama537621 3]

Yes focus the most money on MAMA, if BABA smokes maybe some American Cig's. for the 13 year old, I would look into an I-pod. But good ole cash is always good. For my first visit we did red envelopes with cash inside. for the adults and teenagers alike. For the young ones 4-6 year old we did teddy bears, and a couple boxes of american chocolate.

[leishi 11]

Yes focus the most money on MAMA, if BABA smokes maybe some American Cig's. for the 13 year old, I would look into an I-pod. But good ole cash is always good. For my first visit we did red envelopes with cash inside. for the adults and teenagers alike. For the young ones 4-6 year old we did teddy bears, and a couple boxes of american chocolate.

Most Chinese smokers that I know for a fact, they do not like American cigs.

[hawkeyez 45]

I know it's a Chinese thing, but the cash thing just sort of rubs me the wrong way. Then there is "how much" is acceptable? I'm thinking gifts are the way to go. ipod for the child may be a good idea. A laptop for Mama so she can SKYPE her daughter when in the USA makes more sense to me.

[MuDelphi 159]

The cash thing is difficult to understand for most Americans. It bothers me too. Some offer the reasoning that its just easier for the gift recipient to buy whatever they need/want, which is the same for us in the States, too, just look at all the gift cards. But I've seen many times where its just easier to compare against friends or family members, when its boiled down to numbers.

"My son in law gave me 20,000 RMB! Yours only gave you 500!" etc, as part of the face game.

Being American, the expectations may be higher, too. I miffed my wife's parents in that I didn't pay a bride price in cash, and they don't have anything to show off to their friends and relatives. Obviously "rich foreigner" can give a lot of money? But I flew them to Beijing for a week (first time away from home, first time in airplane, first time in elevators, first time in hotels, etc), and we had a good time doing tourism there, which cost a lot more than the value of her sister's bride prices. I guess I should have made copies of the receipts for them!

[Operator 1,927]

I think for sure you need to ask your lady what her parents expectations are.

Edited April 11, 2012 by Operator

[bigdog 376]

My wife says US wine, chocolate. I asked her for suggestions on my first trip. Sheriff Joe T Shirts were a big hit.

[MuDelphi 159]

Sheriff Joe T Shirts were a big hit.

is that a joke

[hawkeyez 45]

I have traveled all over Europe and T-shirts were always a big hit depending on the face content. In China I don't believe this to be the case.

[bigdog 376]

is that a joke

Nope he is well known especially in HK.

[hawkeyez 45]

Somebody want to clue me in on the joke?