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Gifts for my host family/friends when studying abroad.? |
Travel Info Hello! I am studying abroad in the Kansai area and I'm curious about appropriate gifts to give. I applied for a host family, but I do not know if I will have one till I get there. So I guess my questions are: I've heard edible things [e.g. cookies, nuts, etc.] are good, is this true? When do I give the gift?! If I do bring food I should give it right away right or should I wait till I leave, both? But I don't want it to turn into a gift giving competition. I know they are very obligatory. What are appropriate gifts for kids [if my host family has some]? I live in Chico, California in the states, home of the Sierra Nevada Brewing company, how can you get alcohol [they have mustards with alcohol, etc.] through customs, is that even legal? Sorry for all the questions, and thanks in advance! Travel Tips The best gifts you can give would be food from where you live, something that is not readily available in Japan, If your country is known for a certain type of candy, or something that is only available in your area, those are by far the best gifts you can give, but be aware, do not spend too much money on gifts as your host would feel obligated to return the gift in kind. Another thing you can give would be postcards or books about where you live, as those are 1. cheap, and 2. cool to the Japanese because they have probably never been there. When I met up with Mochan and the wish club in Tokyo and later rode down with him and some other travelers to Shizuoka, I brought books on Florida, as well as postcards, the girl who was visiting from Korea brought Kimchee, and it was shared among all of the guests at the party. Also avoid really spicy foods if thats what you plan to bring, the Japanese are not as used to spicy foods as much as most Americans and it would probably be too spicy for their tastes. Also fruits and veggies are pretty much out too, the markets there have access to pretty much any type of produce from around the world, and I have never seen such a huge and juicy orange as I found in Tokyo, and I live in Florida. Clothing from your area would be a great idea , but make sure you pick the smaller sizes as Japanese as a rule are at the biggest considered a large t-shirt size, usually medium or small. Local team, your city, state, local universities and the like would be great. Major brands from the USA are pretty much readily available in Japan so don't show up with a bag of Doritos :) Another thing I feel I should warn you about, Don't bring anything that needs to be baked as they typically do not have ovens in their houses. Others I would think it best to give them gifts that are typical of the State you live in, some good souvenirs that would remind them of you. Food is sometimes difficult to take into a country esp if it's agricultural because they are afraid you might have something in it that would hurt their crops. Gifts for Kids....depends on their ages and interests... I do not know them so I cannot advise you on this. give them maple syrup, maple candies and/or pecans. These things are very american and very expensive overseas. |
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