HELP! host gift for Russian families

[cheeringmom]

Hey all. My son is going to Russia for three weeks for an ROTC program and he is supposed to bring small gifts for teachers, host families etc. He is on a space limitation since he will only be allowed one carry on bag for three weeks. So it needs to be small and have something to do from either his college or home state. We are from Florida so I was thinking Disney something and he is a UF Gator. Any suggestions? I cannot think of anything. We thought of shell baskets etc but too big. Suggestions?

 

[Mom2Nick]

If they speak/read English how about a regional cookbook?

 

[cheeringmom]

If they speak/read English how about a regional cookbook?

that is a very good idea. I assume they speak english since they are hosting cadets but can't be certain.

 

[DVC~OKW~96]

A cookbook would be problematic. The measurements would require conversion, and often that is more difficult than simply doing the math.

Small and Florida? Very nice quality postcards of some of the more popular areas might be nice. They'd have to be "good ones" though, suitable for framing.

 

[NHdisneylover]

These are the types of things we have enjoyed receiving from exchange students or that htey have found itneresting to take home to their families:
*Themed decks of playing cards (especially if the family has kids)
* small travel book of the area (or WDW guide book) with lots of really good photos (the post card idea above is similar to this and also great)
* T-shirts for the gators or WDW if you have some idea of sizing (like a photo to go by, T-shirts do not need to be exact fits)
*or ball caps with gators or WDW logos (no need to worry about size then).
*selection of typical candy bars, gum, etc. from the area. Even stuff like malted milk balls and hubba bubba gum and skittels is rarely seen outside the US and can be fun for host families to try.

We also like to get CDs of local musicians from various countries, but that would not work so well going from the US--as our music is exported a lot anyway.
The cookbook does sound like a great idea, but I can conform it can be extremly difficult to work with a foreign cookbook (finding certain ingredients, converting measurements and temperatures, etc.).

 

[cheeringmom]

Good point about the cook book but I will remember that idea for visiting friends in the states.

I like the post card idea too. Very space efficient.

I wish we had a Disney store close by. The playing cards would be fun. I am not even certain who is going to be his host family. He won't know until he gets there so we have to be creative as to find a gift for everyone in the family. I will bring a variety of candies. Since it is carry on, he will be limited to a tiny bit of liquids too.

Thank you all for the great suggestions. please keep them coming....

 

[monkey68]

I'm Russian myself, and I can tell you the traditional thing is to bring some sort of food, usually alcohol or something sweet. Is there maybe any way he can brng some local chocolates?

 

[lemondog]

Something regional to your area would be nice. Like the PP said maybe some chocolates. Something that represents your area??

 

[agnes!]

Some ideas...

Generic presents, good for adults
Citrus candy - I seem to remember some kind of citrus jelly candies that seem local to Florida?
Pecan candies/chocolates/"turtles" (Hmmmm, would chocolate melt or deteriorate?) Pecans are a Southern regional foodstuff
Playing cards with any kind of US or Florida theme
Florida postcard "books" (a little nicer than single postcards)

Also maybe a few little toys for any little kids (won't take up much room)...
matchbox US cars (in case there are any little boys)
super bouncy balls
sparkly barrettes or ponytail-holders (for little girls)

agnes!

 

[Disney Doll]

refrigerator magnets of Florida. disney, college?????

 

[cheeringmom]

great ideas everyone. They do have chocolate shaped alligators they sell at the tourist shop but now sure the quality of chocolate would be good. However, that might work. maybe even saltwater taffy

monkey68- he is a minor and he can't bring a liquid on his carry on. He is stressed about only having baby bottles of shampoo! lol

than you all again. Once I find something I will post....

 

[monkey68]

I figured he was a minor and couldn't carry alcohol, which is why I also mentioned chocolates, or any kind of sweets. I'm not gonna lie, Russian's like to eat. And if it's something sweet, something for dessert, all the better. And a lot of varieties of food still aren't easily available in Russia, so if there is some kind of candy that is popular in your area, it would probably be a great gift, because a) everybody likes something sweet, and b) if it's not easily available in Russia, it'll be even more appreciated.

 

[petchie]

How about Disney, USA, or Gator Pins? Candy that travels well is licorice.

 

[agnes!]

Ooooo, how about M&M's? They're chocolate *and* they travel well .

agnes!

 

[EthansMom]

How about jelly fruit candy (you know, the oranges with sugar all over them)? Or maybe some nuts that are grown in Florida?

I agree with agnes that small toys are a good idea. Maybe some small inflatable beach balls from oriental trading co.? They wouldn't take up a huge amount of room, kids love them, and florida does have a lot of beaches.

 

[Maggi May]

I figured he was a minor and couldn't carry alcohol, which is why I also mentioned chocolates, or any kind of sweets. I'm not gonna lie, Russian's like to eat. And if it's something sweet, something for dessert, all the better. And a lot of varieties of food still aren't easily available in Russia, so if there is some kind of candy that is popular in your area, it would probably be a great gift, because a) everybody likes something sweet, and b) if it's not easily available in Russia, it'll be even more appreciated.

It's been several years since I went, but I really have to give a nod to this advice. Chocolates seemed to be traditional and popular gifts to give and receive in Russia.

 

[java]

You can M&M's personalized too.
http://www.mymms.com/customprint/?src=112228&sc_cid=P_GG_P2_N00_MA9CON00PGGP2111

You could do UF colors. then maybe a thank you on the m&m's? or whatever he can think of In Russian would be even cooler!

 

[ilovepcot]

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