I also acquired an antique (from 1923) Mahjong game in a box with bone pieces. A heartfelt note is a great starting point and a basket of beautiful round fruit is a safe choice (just no pears!). A bottle opener adorned with a classic symbol of the Chinese opera. ~Wes, You’ve got it, John! Make America Native Again - American Indian tee Gift Idea T-Shirt. Producing up to 65,000 BTUs (a typical home range gives about 10,000), this propane burner is the closest you’ll come to what chefs use at a Chinese restaurant. Merry Christmas. Required fields are marked *. Gift giving is challenging under any circumstance, made more so when there’s a cultural element potentially at play. I am from … ~Wes. Tea tasting, Chinese medicine, massage, sex trade,art? Number 6 means everything goes on smoothly and number 8 means making a fortune. I helped him find a company to do some maintenance. Obviously, a gift that reflects a deep consideration for the recipient would be the best gift. When you have come to choose which best gift you can give to your Chinese fellows or partners, you have to know what to avoid and offer when it has come to gift. She does like to travel, though. I’ve always found these themes useful when picking gifts: 1. It’s a great idea to bring a gift as a guest in their home on the day you arrive, even better if you can incorporate New Year themes. I have three Chinese and Two Vietnamese friends I would like to offer this to. kv, you actually validated my suggestion. Cash – specifically those oversized pink 100 yuan notes – placed in a red envelope, or "hóng bāo (红包)" , are the most fitting for those occasions.Giving money for birthdays is reserved for children and senior citizens. By signing up for the Chinese American Family newsletter. I am from the UK and my boyfriend is Chinese (from Shanghai) and I am spending the upcoming Chinese New Year with him and his family. A nice bottle of red wine. Raising silkworms and extracting silk from them is a process well-recognized as Chinese and deeply entrenched in Chinese culture. 45. Is it okay to give your friend from China a portrait? $14.00. From there, I’d point you to your greatest resource — your daughter-in-law! We’re Filipino Americans. The good folks at Tea Collection travel the world, then bring the beauty of international cultures and modern design to children’s clothing. Sharp objects symbolize breaking a relationship, so don’t give them to people you like or want to keep around in your life. Hi Wes! It was so very kind and unexpected. Helpful Hints . Amongst our product offerings our designs that feature prominent and influential figures within the African American … A wonderful Asian lady introduced me to dragon fruit…and as a special thank you..I was thinking I would like to get her a set if windchines …would that be OK, Hi Deana, taken through a Chinese lens, this is a great gift idea and wonderful show of reciprocity (especially if the chimes make a sweet sound), though I can’t speak to other Asian cultures. You know ― the Asian food-obsessed one who’s always ready to hunt down the juiciest pork buns or make homemade samosas. A sandalwood fan has been a favorite for ladies of all ages since the Qing Dynasty because it emits a fragrance that boosts a woman’s elegance and femininity. I'm primarily concerned what to get my guy friends … Quite welcome, Linda. Hi Maria, I’d suggest you check out our page of baby gifts! Always at a loss for gift ideas. Perhaps it stems from a time when China was more of a closed society, but hard-to-find regional items are always prized. We have just sold our home and understand that the gentleman and his son are Chinese. Final Thoughts | Send Gifts to China. We quickly became friends and I talk to him fairly often now. In Chinese culture, a gift is a token of respect, appreciation, love, friendship or hospitality. Each of the fishermen comes with a fishhook and will sit patiently on the side of your mug while securely holding your tea bag. 2. Add a little joy to your living space with these brass cabinet door pulls in the shape of the Chinese characters for “double happiness.” The Chinese Brass Hardware collection also includes many other clasps, locks and hinges in both traditional and contemporary Chinese designs. An item that’s unavailable in China and which speaks to where you’re from will make a great gift for your friends. I'm Wes, a biracial Chinese American dad living in Oakland, California, who left the technology world when my son was born to serve this wonderfully diverse community of Chinese American families. I can’t think of a reason to give someone a green hat, but regardless, just don’t do it. African American Expressions™ is the world’s largest black-owned gift and greeting-card company. These colors are used in funerals and generally connote death. We live in a time where everyone just gets the presents they've asked for, or worse - an envelope filled with cold, hard cash. If you choose to travel to Xi'an with TravelChinaGuide, we could arrange a Chinese family visit for you! ~Wes. Best gifts from USA for Taiwanese friends/family? Your turn! My 18 y.o. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-49465826', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Shanghai as a newbie there. Note that in the Beijing opera, the color of the mask implies the personality of the character — in this case, red means loyalty. Right now I’m doing a Chinese project for school and I am wondering if there is a typical gift you can give to everyone? There’s absolutely nothing better than a fresh egg tart served warm from your oven. Thanks for stopping by. And be careful about leaving people out, although different levels of relationship can be treated differently. -Kris, Hi Kris, focus on the gesture and the relationship first, the gift second. A 1950s-era United Airlines travel poster by artist Joseph Feher that depicts a cable car rolling through San Francisco Chinatown with the Bay Bridge in the distance. Thank you very much. Help! I might suggest a flower and a gift — either orchids (for nobility, wisdom and virtue) or a lotus (for purity, achievement and overcoming adversity) and a sweet local specialty from your corner of the world (for sweetness in life). I’d start by reading the sections on this site devoted to Chinese New Year to generally familiarize yourself with what to expect at the reunion dinner, red envelope gifting and other holiday traditions. Oh snap! Give something that your local community is particularly known for. Clocks and cut flowers are considered bad luck because it represents either time running out on the one hand or the end of a friendship on the other. GiftBasketsOverseas.com offers unique gifts for your loved ones and Corporate Gift baskets for business associates in Taiwan. Graduation is a great opportunity to celebrate a new beginning. Also, they prize art. Thank you for your time. No cut flowers, clocks or knives. Handmade from natural Sapele wood, these beautiful coasters contain a finely detailed map of Beijing. I would really like to buy a gift for someone that is at my work place. Though the Vietnam Veterans Memorial became one of the most beloved memorials in the world, Maya Lin’s design was initially greeted with skepticism and outrage. Sounds like a fun idea, I’m not aware of any cultural reason this would cause a problem. I'd like to get gifts for at least my girlfriend's grandparents and my friend. Thank you very much, I hope your days are going well! He is the manager at one of the restaurants here in Australia. Be sure to take an assortment of gifts, so that you can have at least one for any occasion. Along the way, she examines all the ways that our families destroy us, while also keeping us grounded and alive. 3. I want to give her a “box of sunshine”. They are a lovely pair, most likely released from China after 1979. CafePress brings your passions to life with the perfect item for every … ~Wes. But hongbao can sometimes be tricky as a Chinese New Year gift, as “traditional red envelopes have often been used as a vehicle for, ahem, bribes.” When in doubt, consult your Chinese friends or colleagues — or, better still, consider my other suggestions for Chinese New Year gifts. Did you know that the garden, as a place for refined pleasure and relaxation, has its roots in ancient China? Hand assembled and packaged in a premium gift box. This book reads like a love letter to Hong Kong, faithfully covering every aspect of the city’s food culture. It is a box of all sorts of yellow items (thoughtfully selected) given in a yellow box. Thank you for your help. etc. “No need for anything substantial until the wedding, certainly NOT anything valuable like jewelry, in this case, a red envelope is NOT appropriate. ~Wes. 4.8 out of 5 stars 70. Or if your Chinese woman is at her twenties, you can consider giving her a gift like a teddy bear. I know he loves gardening and my daughter says he loves Kung Fu, and he is still an incredible dancer. Given they are engaged to be married, something personal like a scarve would be appropriate, but a box of chocolate would be too inpersonal, while any small gift including a box of candy would be appropriate from the girlfriend to the future mother-in-law.”, Hi! May I suggest you consider giving her half American foods and half Chinese so that you could tell right away what appeals to her more. Avoid these specific gifts. I’m visiting the son and daughter in law of a close (French) friend. $15.45 $ 15. They also have two dogs. Welcome to Giftsnideas.com - featured gifts for doorstep gift delivery - last minute, same day or next day to the recipient in Taiwan. Oh snap! You’ve reminded me to fall back on thinking about the nature of the relationship…the more traditional the recipient, the more conservative the gift is my general rule of thumb. That should be a fun experience. Make America Native Again - American Indian tee Gift Idea T-Shirt. Help a grandparent preheat cold sheets, before resting easy in silky softness and cozy warmth. Womens Black Queen Most Powerful Chess African American Women Gift T-Shirt. ~Wes. Feather key ring bag charm bronze silver turquoise beads boho native american inspired women's men's gift. That's the sort of thing a woman would buy for herself, maybe a boyfriend might buy, weird choice for a colleague thank-you. Good day. Hi Law, Definitely! Any suggestions? What you want is to make an exchange student feel at home. Now you can create your own bubble tea shop in the comfort of your own kitchen, dorm room or office break area. Question: What would young Chinese ladies appreciate as gifts … Rebuild Shanghai’s famous skyline in 3D using scale-model buildings, while adding a fourth dimension…time. Focus on quality. Don’t ever give clocks, shoes, cut flowers, handkerchiefs, umbrellas, towels or sharp objects like knives and scissors. They become wonderful gifts, if you have a particular personal connection with them, such that giving them strengthens your relationship with your future in laws. I'm going to be heading to Taiwan in April to visit my fiance's family and also to visit a male friend I know over there. Mochi. What do think is an appropriate thank you gift for a man? ~Wes. Yes, the oranges are always a safe, traditional gift representing luck and abundance. Hi Anne, thanks so much for sharing your experience. This past weekend she came to our home for dinner so we could meet her. Hi Dana, it’s difficult to say without more information about the teacher and your relationship. This Chinese herbal medicine cooker takes the hassle out of a time-consuming process. Glad you enjoyed it. Note for Other Taboos : Do not use red ink pen write greeting card, as red ink is a symbol of diffidation. I would really like to take them something American…but what? A bowl of fresh round fruit. This puzzle uses 72 scale-model buildings spanning more than 100 years of architectural development from the historic buildings along The Bund to the futuristic Shanghai Tower. As Chinese weddings have become infused with Western traditions, traditional Western wedding gifts have become more acceptable. As an example, here are three of my favorite go-to gift ideas for Chinese friends. Local gifts are prized in Asia, particularly so in China. My daughter-in-law is Chinese and has been in the US for 8+ years. I’m confused some of these gifts are colors I’ve been told to avoid. Jimmy O. Yang is a standup comedian, film and TV actor and fan favorite in the HBO series Silicon Valley and the film Crazy Rich Asians. BTW creams are used on the face or hands in bathroom, not like an lv bag (even a lip stick), none could tell or show "status and wealth". Thank you. I only have a day or less in Shanghai. Help bring a young child’s ideas to life with a full collection of Chinese good luck symbols including red envelopes, lanterns, auspicious foods, firecrackers and gold ingots. Do we give just to her parents or also to other members of her family if they are there? 2. He is always polite and kind, so I tried giving him a mini pecan pie during October as a thank you, but I’ve been too nervous to ask him his thoughts since. Mud Pie Light Brown Faux Leather Coaster Set. How traditional is your friend? Also, why is it specifically bad to give a clock and cut flowers for a gift? They do not speak hardly any English nor her Chinese. With their super-sharp blades and fine points, the scissors in this set can cut meat, rope, plants and so much else — they’ll be right at home in any artist’s toolbox for endless hobby and craft projects. If reciprocating isn’t possible, at least call in a few days to express appreciation. These situations are definitely challenging! Tips: 1. I met my chinese friend online due to some project work and now we are like best buddies. Typical local family will … Giving a gift to Chinese people should be appropriate for the condition or occasion. Together, that sounds like a wonderful, and personal, graduation gift. Liven up the refrigerator in any downtown apartment with these adorable magnets featuring a feast of classic Chinese foods like Lion’s Head Meatballs, noodle soup, red bean soup, black sesame dumplings and steamed rice. The durable stainless steel design features a tight clasp that holds the various layers in place, along with a sturdy handle that makes the lunch box easy to carry. 1. For adults who came of age during the 1980s, The Joy Luck Club is probably the most widely-recognized movie about Chinese American life and family relationships. Valentines Day: 14-Feb-2021 Valentine’s Day celebrates love and friendship. Available in packs of 100, 200 and 500 stickers. ~Wes. Either way, they provide a thematic consistency that’s distinctly Chinese. Whether you'll be spending the Chinese New Year in China, in your city's Chinatown, or at your neighborhood Chinese restaurant, bringing along a gift for someone (especially if that someone is Chinese) is a nice gesture. Information regarding the countries in which gift giving is most important, the protocol for giving gifts, and the types of gifts … I asked a colleague to do me a favour and she went beyond what I expected. Kids love stickers! Combine a set of these baking tins with a note card filled out with our classic Chinese egg tart recipe to create a terrific DIY gift. These playful golden carp on a baby blue background fill any nursery with good fortune, abundance and strength. Thanks for your question, Joy. Upon their visit to rural China for the first time in 18 years, director Kenneth Eng and his father retrace the perilous steps his father chanced in search of a better life. Not all applicants will qualify. Thank you. Is your little one a silly egg tart? Children develop language and social skills through imaginative play. Definitely participate in red envelope gifting at dinner for any kids and unmarried adults, at a minimum. Fill your home with the aroma of a classic Hong Kong street snack. Although not common in our own tradition, handshakes are the most usual form of greeting with foreigners. Taiwanese people are not so much into hugging. Crafted with glazed ceramic and finished in antique white, this stool looks great indoors and outdoors. Measures 13 x 19 inches and printed on premium silk finish coated paper. Thank you, The perfect addition to any nursery. It doesn’t matter if you spent a hundred dollars on a single knife at William-Sonoma; don’t offer it as a gift to a Taiwanese person. Transport yourself to China and elevate your senses with the fresh, heavenly aromas of lychee, jasmine and quince in this natural soy candle. That’s definitely a unique case! While those gifts don’t have a particular cultural significance, I don’t see any problem, provided he’s a wine or whiskey drinker. GIFT GIVING IN TAIWAN* BUSINESS GIFT GIVING / PERSONAL GIFT GIVING. Some gift givers may want to observe the Western custom of opening a gift immediately. Is there a common gift for an ill female colleague who has gone through recent surgery. No matter how I personally feel about the goofily coined term “Galentine’s Day,” I do agree that this is the year I might send Valentine’s gifts to friends. Red and gold Chinese lanterns for good luck carry encouragement to shine brightly at the office! Traditionally, Chinese workers used these metal food carriers to keep multiple dishes of rice, soup, vegetables, meat or fish separate and hot. Sweets and local specialities are generally good places to start for family gifts. I want to be sensitive to this as I know that she is very particular about numbers and pears. “(Aside from the typical: Lucky Charms, Cheez-it's, Hot Cheetos, Twinkies)” Most middle and upper class Australians would not appreciate those junk foods. I have a dear friend who was just diagnosed with cancer. Based on what you describe, a lotus flower could be your best choice. ~Wes. She would like to reciprocate with something in kind and it being Christmas. Use this basket out in the garden to carry shovels, trowels and other essential tools. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. She is a lovely woman born and raised in China, a professor, researcher, doctor (PhD)… This will be her first trip to the states, and I have only met or spoken with her via Skype. He is French, she is Chinese. More than the specific gift, Brig, the reciprocity is the thing. By combining sterling silver charms, semi-precious gemstones and connectable meanings, T. Jazelle creates unique, original … Fall back on sweetness. It’s our picture together. I want to try giving him a gift again, but I am unsure of how close we are as friends or whether he would even like a gift. Thank you for your insights. They give her small gifts with a Chinese flare to it now and then as a thank you I’m sure. Need a little bit of extra luck for your next work presentation or social engagement? Add a touch of class to any dinner party with 10 pairs of these natural rosewood chopsticks. This set of 4 tea holders evoking the old Chinese story of Jiang Taigong won the China Design Challenge. We are in the States and I was wondering if it would be appropriate to leave a gift bag of oranges and traditional Chinese candies at work for Christmas as I will be away from work before the actual holiday. Once you have a great gift idea, you’ll want to screen it against these basic superstitions to avoid any last potential for awkwardness. Even numbers are better than odd and sets of 6 or 8 are particularly auspicious. $14.00. To the contrary, great gifts are simply comprised of quality design, materials and craftsmanship. When traveling overseas, my best suggestion is something from your home area. ~Wes. ~Wes. Making sure to avoid the general taboos I’ve mentioned above, a local specialty would not only avoid offense culturally, but would also serve as a way to welcome your new friends to the neighborhood. When you buy American, you help to create more jobs and build the U.S. economy. The nicer, the better! You’re welcome, Jackson. Same goes for your adult hosts. Chinese gift-giving is steeped in tradition, rites and rituals. We'll visit my daughter in June, 2013 and wish to 'Thank' these co-workers in a meaningful manner by taking for them something they'd cherish. Please help! Winner of the 2016 IACP Julia Child First Book Award, chef Kian Lam Kho offers a unique introduction to Chinese cooking, demystifying it by focusing on its basic cooking methods. Google your city’s best gift shops for prints or other art pieces by local craftspeople. Would I be able to bring Bee cheng hiang jerky into usa? Travel the final frontier of great world alcohols with this comprehensive and practical guide from author Derek Sandhaus. Avoid unlucky numbers. This strategy will be particularly useful if you are unexpectedly presented with a gift. My girlfriend is Chinese from Shanghai and we have a daughter together. Let me check on this end and I’ll email you offline. Photographer Richard ‘S’ Lee documents contemporary life in Taishan, China, the ancestral homeland for millions of Cantonese-speaking overseas Chinese. I don't really give out gifts too much. A 6-pack of fancy European chocolates would have been plenty of thank-you. Hi Stephanie, thank you for sharing this wonderful advice about gifts for recent exchange students from China. I’m trying to find out if a gift the color of copper is good or bad. Hi Bob, I’d suggest going one step further and offering something specific to your local area. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-49469386', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Shanghai ladies. We are a supportive community of American families proudly sharing our Chinese heritage with future generations. 4.6 out of 5 stars 613. Those gifts can be some flower, a lovely cell phone case for her new Iphone 6. As we are approaching what was once unthinkable — our one year anniversary in quarantine (oof ) — I am so thankful for all the love, humor, and support of my own friends … A basket of oranges is classic, but apples, peaches and plums are good, too. But unlike at Western weddings, couples will rarely have a registry or release a list of wanted gifts. This is an especially important question during Chinese New Year – also known as “Spring Festival” – a time similar to Christmas when Chinese people all over the world exchange gifts with friends, family, and business contacts. Chinese women can be funny about appreciating eatables, alcohol is just wrong, household items too taste-specific, etc. Wonderful, A19! Hi LaR, given the circumstances, a red envelope might be your best bet. Bright illustrations, playful characters, recipes and folklore tidbits bring Chinese New Year, the Dragon Boat Festival, the Mid-Autumn Festival and more to life. Hi Kay, I couldn’t speculate, but it may be worth a call to your son to inquire. Gift giving and receiving is a huge part of Chinese culture and basically an instrument of building interpersonal relationships. Is your friend traditional? The film reveals how lives are shaped as four mothers and daughters strive to understand their family bonds and one another. Sounds like a wonderful friend to have, Amanda! Be very careful on this one. more. Come check out our giant selection of T-Shirts, Mugs, Tote Bags, Stickers and More. Clock means death, and food may symbolize poverty. Based on classic Chinese fretwork, this glazed ceramic garden stool fits beautifully in both contemporary or traditional Chinese settings. This Shanghai “time-honored brand” holds a special place in the hearts of many of the city’s adult residents, as the candy of choice for most Chinese youngsters growing up in previous decades. How traditional is the teacher? When I did my homestay in Japan years ago, the organization told me that suitable gifts would be Californian wine, chocolate (for example, See's), and, as mentioned, local delicacies. ~Wes. Recently the company I work for was bought by 4 Chinese guys. Can you give us any suggestions? The Chinese are curious about the world outside China and its special customs and goods. A thin, lightweight and durable glass tea pot that will delight even your most design-conscious of friends. Avoid white and black boxes and wrapping paper. How formal is your relationship? » Buy from our Chinese American Family Shop. 5 out of 5 stars (347) $ 19.99. Packaged in an eco friendly and gift ready packaging, you'll have something special to give for … Good luck! In How to American, he shares his story of growing up as a Chinese immigrant who pursued a Hollywood career against the wishes of his parents. A flowering potted orchid. Your article was so informative. ~Wes. ~Wes, Dear Wes, Would you give money and fresh flowers or a personal jewelry gift with a card for a graduation gift? Mud Pie Standing Deer Faux Leather Coaster Set. ~Wes. She is in Hong Kong, I am in the USA. No need for nerves, Diana. This deluxe 12-color set from Marie’s is just what an artist needs for Chinese style painting and calligraphy on rice paper or silk.