China Romance
General Discussion and Useful Links => Newbies Corner => Topic started by: rcsingle1 on August 22, 2009, 04:49:44 pm
-
Hi Everyone,
As some of you know, I am going in Dec to Beijing to get married to my beauty. I would like to bring some gifts to her family, but would appreciate some ideas on what would be nice gifts.
She has her mother and father, and a brother and sister who are both married, and a son who is 16yrs old. I was thinking of some Canadian souvenir items, but feel that might be kinda lame?? What did you guys do?
Am I also obligated to buy her parents gifts, or give them money (how much) when we get married?
RC
-
Working on this issue as well. There are two items that I found interesting that I am following and will pass them along for you to consider.
1. Since almost everything is made in China, look for local items. I was going to take a bottle of Jim Beam and some American Smokes from the South here. But since my ladies Uncle is 91 and does not smoke or drink changed to some hand made paper for him to do his artwork. For the Aunt I selected some pottery that is made by local artist here in NC. Selected American Honey, maple syrup from Maine, Chocolate from San Francisco (Ghirardelli Chocolate), and some needle work by ladies of the church. Still looking for the others but this gives you and idea of where I am coming from.
2. When I was looking for the pottery, I had been doing some reading and was concerned that this color meant something, this shape meant something, and really any bit of information I could gather went into my selecting the perfect gift. As I was explaining to the lady about my selection I must have mentioned, “it can’t be this” just one to many times for her. Her response was when you add up all your “it can’t be’s” then it really 'can’t be much of a gift'. Point heard. There are items I am sure the brothers who have been in China and have been thru this will be able to expand upon, but select what has meaning to you and from your area. Hope this helps. Buzz
-
I am only visiting in a few weeks time. But I think it is good to get stuff you can't get there.
For my woman's mother I got her Japanese green tea and some Turkish delights.
For my woman I got her some excellent Australian port, some white tea and some Australian nougat.
For my woman's son I got him a French puzzle game (with instructions in Chinese) and some American jelly beans.
I know all these things are what they will enjoy, because she has mentioned what they enjoy drinking and eating in the past.
-
When I went the thing my 4 sister in-laws LOVED was western chocolate. I bought a bunch of different chocolates and they all shared a little. We had "gongfu tea" and the girls each had a little piece and smiled at me and chattered amongst themselves, very happily.
It seems all women love chocolate all over the world. BTW, I bought some Chinese chocolates and while they are good there is a big difference from our chocolates.
Just a thought...
Peace,
Tom
-
Thanks so much for some of the ideas guys!!
I did some thinking this weekend, and came up with a few ideas. Let me know what you think.
All of these represent Canada I think:
Laura Secord Chocolates
Maple Syrup and/or maple candies
Icewine
Tim's Coffee (of course, if they drink coffee)
T-shirts with Canadian logos's
I'm trying to come up with a few other things
RC
-
One thought for you is that they do not like sweet food except chocolate. french perfume for the ladies, American made Marlboro's for the people who smoke. A big bag of assorted candies for the kids. I brought Yo yo's (Scott's Idea) and jacks. Now Buzz, if you could get some shine from up near Boone. That would be a winner. You see they can get all sorts of whiskey and beer here now. Teenage girls like baseball hats. Doesnt mater what is on them. For a teen age girl, an ankle bracelet is a big deal. Qingqing actually got excited about the one I brought her. My wife sent me a list of things so everything from the above was a hit here. Even though they can get Zippo lighters here, the ones from the states are supposedly better. I brought six of them. One of my brothers in law is a doctor and he loved the marlboro's. (I cant believe he smokes either) Said they were the best gifts. Here, most of the "Name Brands" are knockoffs. No trade agreements in place so no licensing problems. They reverse engneer a ton of things. Even cars. And speaking of which. The number 1 car on the street is the VW, then Honda and a couple of chinese brands. Then guess what. Buicks. there are more Buicks on the road here than BMW's or Audies or Mercedes. A few Chevy's and I have seen a couple of Cadillacs. I saw a Chinese duplicate of my G6 hardtop convertible.
-
Hello All,
Need a bit of help for Christmas gifts. I thought this would be a good thread to post the question. I need gifts for the lady, her 9 year old daughter, and maybe her Mother. (Not sure a gift for the mother is appropriate at this time) I thought i would go practical and buy something for cold weather since they live where it is cold. But, after I bought scarfs and gloves, I got to thinking...blah! Besides everything was made in China.:icon_rolleyes: We are not at the stage where we are sure about anything. We are more or less off EMF's and waiting to meet (maybe in March). I got some ideas from this thread, but anymore would be appreciated. Thanks
Don
-
RC...ask your lady about the money issue. I asked Zhifang what was an appropriate amount to give her parents for marriage money. She told me her parents did not want any money. I brought this issue up several times, and was told the same thing every time.
As far as gifts, bring some for the family. Don't expect them to look at them when you give them the gifts. My father in law took his gifts, and put them in his bedroom to look at later. It is not like here in Canada, when you give a gift, and people open them right away.
I have brought Mom and Dad chocolates from Canada, a bottle of wine from Canada, maple syrup, a bottle of Canadian whiskey, ginseng candies, and a picture book of Canada. These gifts were over two different trips to China. The picture book was a big highlight. I would highly recommend this to anyone, to bring something like this from your home country.
As far as the bottle of wine went...they did not have a cork screw...so you might want to consider this as well. I also bought a carton of Canadian cigarettes for her brother, since he smoked. (Get them cheaper at duty free)
-
Martin.
I don't know if your Zhifang has been married before, but if she has, then i can quite understand her parents sentiments. They probably received a marriage RE from her previous husband and would have been happy to receive it from him. Now, they are only interested Zhifang's future happiness, they are happy that she is happy with you, and that's more than payment enough for them.
I can't really understand why some parents would want or expect a RE when there daughters has been previously married, probably over 30, and probably with children. They know full well that the chances of there daughters ever finding a Chinese husband are slim to non-existent. Like Zhifang's parents, they should be happy that they have found a man that they can see with there own eyes, ....makes there daughter ''Happy''!!!
Giving gifts is a totally different kettle of fish, Give her parents a special gift(s). It doesn't have to be too expensive, just something that they will want, or need, or just special to them. Now that, ...they will appreciate more than any RE....
David.....
-
I brought a bottle of Hennesey XO for her father, the 750ml which to this day he hasnt opened. My wife said they consider it too nice of gift. So it sits very well protected with the rest of the family's keepsakes. :s
My wifes daughter I brought some of those glowstick things but they're more like a bracelet for her wrist. I failed to see "Made in China" when I bought them before i went but her daughter loved em. I also got her some assorted stickers that she could put on this picture of a girl and the stickers were different styles of clothing. Her daughter is 9.
Mother I didnt get anything for since I had not a clue what to get her. I planned on taking her out shopping but my wife wouldnt allow it. She said it wasn't necessary.
I brought a bottle of Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whisky for her brother but he never got it. My wife wouldnt allow her parents to give it to him. (long story) So it sits at her parents house with the Hennesey.
-
AS far as gifts go, make it local. The best gifts were picture books of my state and local area. A bit hit was if you can find a local outlet that makes the handmade soap. Oatmeal and Honey, as well as Rose Soap were big sellers there. All these items are sold in the higher end malls at outragous prices. Take some beef jerky and if you can find it buffalo or other types of jerky. As far and the drink and smokes, fly China Air, you can buy a carton of smokes for $15 and the wine and burbon are very cheep. All in all it is the thought and not the price that is most important.
buzz
-
You can't go wrong with booze and ciggies. Something from your own country is always good. Be aware that in theory you can get in trouble with customs if you bring certain foods in :s.
I think I win gift of the year for taking tea to China :icon_cheesygrin:.
-
Brett, don't forget the mustard and salt you took as well as tha tea!:huh: What where you thinking!!! :icon_cheesygrin: Sorry mate just couldn't resist it! you giving advice on gifts, well it was just to tempting!:icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin:
-
This is all news to me.
I thought you couldn't take chocolate and other foods into China. Where will customs draw the line? Anyone know?
-
Jeff,
Any chocolate/sweets that is in it's original manufactures wrapping is fine for any countries customs, it's loose chocolate and sweets, the type you buy at the ''pick and mix'' that you may have problems with.....
David....
-
One of the good ideas I came up with in discussions with my dear woman, was vitamin pills, royal jelly capsules and health tonics. To the mind of my dear woman's parents, medicine from the west is sometimes considered to be superior to that available locally. I think this is a good present because it implies a concern for their health, and the wish for their long life.
For children who are learning English, a book written in both English and Chinese may be a good idea, since it implies respect for both their language and the one they are learning. It avoids the embarrassment of giving a child a book in only English, that they are unable to understand. Similarly for an adult learning English, a book of poetry or fiction written in English and Chinese.
For children, colourful sweets, a variety of different types, is always well received. And for adults, good quality chocolate.
I do not wish to be contrary, but I think that buying cigarettes, when you yourself are a non-smoker, is not the best thing. I would not give cigarettes even to someone I disliked. I know that cigarettes would be received gratefully, but I just think that it is not such a good idea. That's my two cents on the matter.
In relation to the question of bringing food into China, I have had no problems, and heard of no-one having problems bringing in anything that is properly wrapped up.
-
Danny
Cigerttes isn't always for smoking. Its the grease of the Chinese economy. When you need some government work done fast, a few packs helps the wheel.
Bringing food is OK as long as its sealed.
Eg. Bag of Chips is OK. A head of lettuce is not. An open bottle of V8 is not, but an sealed one is OK.
-
Okay thanks.
Good to know
-
Take some beef jerky and if you can find it buffalo or other types of jerky.
On my first trip, somewhere between the plane the immigration, was a sign that said "No imported meat products allowed". I had stocked up on jerky for my own snacks so this made me a bit worried and i ditched the last of it in the trash. It's probably the biohazard aspect of it but might have also to do with processed vs raw. I dont know how jerky would be viewed.
Grant it, neither of my trip so far have they ever looked at my bags so you'd really need to judge how much risk your willing to take if you get it wrong? I'm not a gambler so I take the safe route.
BTW. That coin idea is awesome! I never would have throught of it. That's going on my list for future.
-
Take some beef jerky and if you can find it buffalo or other types of jerky.
On my first trip, somewhere between the plane the immigration, was a sign that said "No imported meat products allowed".
BTW. That coin idea is awesome! I never would have throught of it. That's going on my list for future.
My thought was that the beef jerky was processed so I would be able to slide. No inspection. Money and coin idea is great, thanks. buzz
-
I know of a really welcomed gift that everybody loves including pres Regan. If you can find them in a box take them JELLY BELLY jelly beans. They are the best the world round, and come in flavors you would not believe and actually taste just exactly like what they are labeled. I've had a lot of different beans but these are the world's finest and a very welcome gift and not expensive here. You can get boxes of mixed ones that tell you what the are...excellent item !!!
-
they have a jelly belly store in Guangzhou that if you come
here you could buy them here. its at the underground mall
-
Ted, have you been able to find beef jerky in Guangzhou?
I looked and they have many types of meat but never was able to figure out what was jerky (if anything) and was was tofu. I asked Sunny but she didn't know what jerky was and i couldn't find a Chinese translation.
-
Ed W.
The trick to Jerky and all food is this: SEALED. As long as its sealed then its OK. By sealed I mean really sealed (think a twinkie or a bag of chips) not like in a 'Glad Ziplock' bag. Then you're OK.
Every time I go to China I bring back like 5-10KG of beef and pork jerky. (OK, I am a jerky addict).
-
Ted, have you been able to find beef jerky in Guangzhou?
I looked and they have many types of meat but never was able to figure out what was jerky (if anything) and was was tofu. I asked Sunny but she didn't know what jerky was and i couldn't find a Chinese translation.
Show her: ?? or say rou gan (meat dried). I've attached a photo below. In South East Asia, the popular version is usually made from pork. It's usually quite sweet. There is a beef (? or niu) version, but I find it's usually too dry and tough and doesn't look very appealing.
(Thought I would add a link to chinese jerky) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bak_kwa
-
How about "Dog Jerkey" snicker lol :icon_cheesygrin:
But I'll stick with the Jelly-Belly's, tasty little nugguts of flavor....
-
Show her: ?? or say rou gan (meat dried). I've attached a photo below. In South East Asia, the popular version is usually made from pork. It's usually quite sweet. There is a beef (? or niu) version, but I find it's usually too dry and tough and doesn't look very appealing.
(Thought I would add a link to chinese jerky) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bak_kwa
You made my day ! Thanks, I'm really fond of jerky like Regnis and its the one thing i really miss when there! I will show her that, thanks.
Regnis, is there a Chinese brand of (beef) jerky you recommend? Got any picture of what the packet looks like so I can look for it in the supermarket?
-
Speaking of money to bring as a gift, I brought a lot of Canadian change with me on both my trips. I was giving it to my wifes family, and also to children. If you decide to take money as a gift, bring a lot. By the end of my last trip, there were some family members who hadn't gotten any, and had really hoped to get some CDN money. I had to start giving out some $20's.
I wasn't bringing money as a major gift...more something for people to have as a keep sake. One little guy took his change to school, and showed his classmates some money that his Canadian uncle gave him.
-
irishman,
no i havent found any and i asked my family to ship some
of the jumbo bags over from usa.
i hope that regnis could show us the package so i can look
for it also in the stores.
-
Show her: ?? or say rou gan (meat dried). I've attached a photo below. In South East Asia, the popular version is usually made from pork. It's usually quite sweet. There is a beef (? or niu) version, but I find it's usually too dry and tough and doesn't look very appealing.
(Thought I would add a link to chinese jerky) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bak_kwa
You made my day ! Thanks, I'm really fond of jerky like Regnis and its the one thing i really miss when there! I will show her that, thanks.
Regnis, is there a Chinese brand of (beef) jerky you recommend? Got any picture of what the packet looks like so I can look for it in the supermarket?
I think Regnis means he brings some from here (Canada). I'm sure if you go to Hong Kong you could probably get some pork jerky. Not sure what brands you would find there, but you might be able to get some Soo branded jerky from a supermarket there. It's in all the asian supermarkets here.
-
Thanks mustfocus, I'm gonna ask Sunny if she knows any brands tomorrow when I am talking to her now i know what its called in Chinese.
-
This is the usual brand I get when I come back from China. I usually pick it up in Shanghai though.
(http://www.singerwang.com/chnlove.info/jerky1.jpg)
As I said bringing food into China or out of China is not a problem as long as you follow the following two rules:
1) COOKED (jerky is cooked).
2) SEALED (Like the packages I have above which are sealed. If you buy the unsealed ones in a plastic bag they will probably take it at customs, but if is sealed it usually is OK).
What I usually bring to China is: Ice Wine, Vitamins Pills, Cod Liver Oil, Good Chocolates, and Maple Syrup
What I bring from China: Beef and Pork Jerky, and other tasty snacks..
P.S. Those two packages did not survive long after the photo.. they were rapidly consumed for the greater good
-
Cod Liver Oil? Wow, I never thought of that.
But chocolates are a big win - I keep sending over boxes of the things and my lady takes them to share at parties and stuff :icon_cheesygrin:.
-
Super, thanks Regnis!
-
brett
I know I asked the same question 'Cod Liver Oil' the first time? I hated that stuff as a kid. But mufti-vitamins (and cod liver oil is similar) is popular in China as a gift. The multi-vitamins is good for your health. They consider the western made ones superior in quality (after some of the fake medicine scams).
-
Well guys, my lady received my package today. There was a thread here
somewhere about mailing gifts, but I couldn't find it. So I will post this here. I sent it out Saturday by the Postal Service and she received it today. Not bad. I sent it Express International and it wasn't cheap, but i wanted them to receive it by Christmas. About 5 days. That is what USPS said it would take. Didn't really believe them (and I work for them..haha) but they were right. I think it was $53 US to send it. But it was worth it to see her smile when she opened it. Our first webcam tonight to watch her open her package. I think she loved what I sent. Scarf, gloves, chocolates, lotion and perfume. And a picture book of the Blue Ridge Mountains where I live. For her daughter (who is 10) I sent some other chocolate candies, hair barets, Hello Kitty socks, and a volleyball t-shirt. (she's into volleyball). I think she liked those also. All in All a great evening chat. About 2 hours. I'm blown away by her beauty. I'll go to bed a happy man. Plan on visiting in March.
Don
-
Just a head's up, I got negative feedback on perfume twice, and it was expensive stuff (Chanel), so don't waste your money, it usually won't get used, unless as a regift ...
-
Just a head's up, I got negative feedback on perfume twice, and it was expensive stuff (Chanel), so don't waste your money, it usually won't get used, unless as a regift ...
Thanks Voice...you just saved me a lotta money :icon_cheesygrin::icon_cheesygrin:
David
-
Voice
Yes, that's my impression about perfume too. My woman didn't even know how to use the stuff. She asked me, "Do I wear it on my clothes or on my skin?" I told her that you mostly wear it on the skin, but if you are like my daughter, you also wear it on your clothes when you are going out and you're wearing clothes from the dirty washing basket *laughs*
Chocolates and health products (multivitamins and royal jelly capsules), on the other hand, have been a big success.
-
Exactly Danny, chocolates and health products are a huge win.
Every-time I go back, the 'Centrium Multi-Vitamins' are a huge hit.
-
I can't say that my lady uses perfume either, although she does smell nice. Maybe it's her diet of fruit. She does buy a lot of cosmetics (she was buying some online the other day), but what they are I don't yet know.
I'll have to take some vitamins next time, although chocolates and things that can be shared and taken to parties are epic win.
-
Good point Brett, cosmetics, actually skin cream or care kits work really well. Body Shop seems popular, Nivea too.
-
I finally found this thread on page 3. I remember reading it a while back. There were excellent ideas in it. At the time I was still in search mode, but I knew I wanted to come back for the ideas. I need to take some things next time to her parents, so this thread is spot on with the ideas.
It's funny some of you mention to forget the perfume, but before I left last time I asked Gina and the first thing she said was perfume. I brought her a Victoria Secret bottle when I arrived, and she liked it so much she wanted another on my next visit.
-
i see the centrum multi vitamins all over GZ in the supermarkets
little pricey just like the chocolate
-
"Chocolates and candy are dandy ... but liqueur is quicker" ... ha ha.
Perfume brought in from outside of China ... is better quality than one one can purchase in China .. so I was informed
by my future wife and her translator. They did want the USA pefumes. I did notice also, they had limited body lotions in China. I was shopping in Shenzhen, which one would think would have an great selection, but was very limited. In a Wal-Mart, Shenzhen, I found a better selection of body lotion, but about 1/8 of isle display. Now Shampoo and Conditioner.... 3 isle displays.... I never knew there could be so many hair products ...., but here is a lot of hair in China .... I did find limited vitamins in China, and they were quite expensive as compared to
to USA cost.
-
For UK members I can recommend taking a bag of packets of Maltezers, kids and ladies love them. Also if you are invited to dinner to a friend or relatives place, it is normal practice to buy fruit on the way there. A pack of Matchmakers will also go down well. As previously mentioned, chocolates are always popular but in my experience dark chocolate is sometimes found to be a little strong flavoured. If you have the space, a box of assorted biscuits is also well appreciated. Fox's have some in a useful reusable plastic box. On one trip I took some packets of instant soup as we were travelling around. They proved to be very popular and more were requested. (The type you simmer in a saucepan taste better...if you can find a saucepan) ::) Another unlikely item was UK type tea bags, not very romantic but well liked. Unless you know that a particular perfume is liked I would recommend a light "flowery" fragrance. If your lady is interested in where you come and you can record TV programmes on DVD, record some editions of Country File, Coast (or similar) and the house finding programmes. If they are English speakers or learning, you might find they will enjoy period dramas (Jane Eyre etc). UK PAL DVD's work fine in China, (US NTSC DVD's might be a problem)