Gifts to bring from US to China

[Hillbeans]

DH just got home from a month long trip to China but will be going back in a week. I thought it would be proper to bring some things from the US to China as a token of appreciation. I looked on-line and some of the suggestions were things like Centrum Vitamins, things like T-Shirts that say "I Love NY", children's books, anything native to the US like Vermont Syrup, etc.

He needs to get one higher end gift for the head of HR, i'm thinking something like a Coffee Table book on a famous US Landmark like the Grand Canyon or San Francisco?

Any other suggestions from someone who travels back and forth often?

 

[MichelleinMaine]

Not China, but I had a heck of a time coming up with a gift for the families of friends who were getting married in India.
We ended up bringing a gift bag of maple syrup, maple sugar candies and maple butter. It was VERY well recieved!

 

[slimplaw]

When my sister traveled to China to adopt, it was strongly suggested that they bring American cigarettes to give as gifts. We also took Texas themed gifts. We also made sure we had no "Made in China" items. We only took gifts made in USA.

 

[kinntj]

Team baseball caps for men are things I brought over before. Make sure they are made in the USA of course. For women, I've brought over lotions made here and jewelry made from local artists (like bracelets). I've been to China twice and did some touring.

 

[Hillbeans]

Thanks for the ideas, keep them coming!

My DH has been keeping books of the 50 State Quarters for other relatives in our family and I thought one of those books with all 50 coins inside for the HR person would be a nice gift. From what I read on line, it seems a gift that someone can display in their office from another country is a conversation starter.

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Signing onto this thread. My dd is going next week and I did not buy anything to give as gifts. I am sure a few will come in handy. You never know.

Do you put them in gift bags?

 

[love2disney]

Please make sure that gifting money is OK. Asian cutlures frown on a monetary influenced gifts from non family. I know its just quarters but make sure its appropriate. Nice perfumes are appreciated, branded apparel Gap, Old Navy Levis etc. Touristy stuff.

 

[mrsv98]

When my boss goes to China/Hong Kong/Korea, he generally takes Frango mints (Chicago) and a nice pen for the highest person he will meet at each city. I guess pens are considered a nice gift and also non-personal enough to not offend.

 

[minniebeth]

We also made sure we had no "Made in China" items. We only took gifts made in USA.

 

[busyshrew]

I don't know if China is the same as Korea and Japan, but here are some other thoughts:

In Korea & Japan, giving anything that "cuts" - scissors, knife, etc. is very bad. It indicates that you are "cutting" the relationship, or it's viewed as a jinx and that the relationship will be cut short.

Hankies are bad (something about wiping up tears?). Often seen as a final going-away gift, or a funeral gift.

If you ever give a wallet, or a purse, as a gift, it's good manners and good luck to put some "lucky money" inside (doesn't have to be a lot).

High-end pens (fancy, that come in a nice case), are good.
High-end american booze (whisky, bourbon), very good, but might be a bit "old-fashioned"? I think the "modern" thing is ice-wine now.
American brand cigarettes are good - but typically are given to service people like your chauffer, your tour guide, your porter, the hotel concierge, etc. Rarely have I seen cigarettes or booze given to women. (but ice-wine is fine for ladies).
Luxury brand cosmetics (lipsticks, blushes, translucent powders, etc) like Clinique or Chanel are typically given to women instead of cigarettes and booze.....

I've rarely, if ever, seen books given as gifts in Asia. I don't know why?

Oh, and cash money is more than acceptable if given from an older generation person to a younger generation person. So if you want to make an acquaintance happy, and they have children, don't give the adult the money, give their KIDS the money. The more money, the bigger the fuss of "oh you gave too much!" and "oh, really, we can't!! we have to give it back!!". But of course, that's just for politeness .