Well-Thought-Out Gifts for the International Traveler

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Jul 10, 2001

Whether you're going to another country for business, pleasure or as an exchange student, the gifts you take with you for your hosts will give them a lasting impression of you and many times an impression of the country you are from. Whether we like it or not, we are representing our countries of origin when we are acting guests of another country. People may stereotype others based on their impression of you. A well-thought-out gift will start you off on the right foot and give the receiver the impression that you and others like you are respectful of others.

When I was 16 and a guest of a family in Brazil, I thought and thought about what I could take the family as a token of my appreciation for their hospitality. After pacing the malls, I decided on beach towels as the perfect gift for someone who lives in Rio De Janeiro, near the beach. Upon arriving at their house, I presented them their gifts with much enthusiasm. My heart dropped when the girl in the family looked at the tag and said the towel was made in Brazil! They were appreciative of the gift, but I could see the disappointment in their faces. A guest from America brought a sampling of something from their own country. I felt very embarassed at that moment and very aware of the need to check the labels. Little did I know that people overseas regularly check where something has been made. Something I had never thought of. It became sort of a joke around the house and a situation I'll never forget.

With globalization of almost every product in the market, products can be made almost anywhere. If you are from the United States, check the labels carefully. Many products are now made in Mexico, the Phillippines, Indonesia and elsewhere.

Taking an object that is unique to the area you are from would be your safest solution to the dillema of finding a gift. My husband received a Kentucky Derby silver frame from someone from Kentucky. A well-thought -out gift and a wonderful object to display in the house. If you are from Russia, take your host a handpainted Russian egg or a Matroyshka doll. Many cultures have different utensils used for eating and drinking, which make lovely gifts. Japanese or Chinese chopsticks are beautiful, as are Arabic tea and coffee cups.

The most interesting gift are those "coffee table" books about the country or area you are from containing information and pictures. This kind of a gift may seem like a cliche in gift-giving. However, many people want to know about other cultures and specific areas. These books are also used as displays in entertainment centers and on coffee tables in their homes.

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The copyright of the article Well-Thought-Out Gifts for the International Traveler in Gift-Giving Customs is owned by Elizabeth Nordhausen. Permission to republish Well-Thought-Out Gifts for the International Traveler in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.