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click here for index to gift-giving An understanding of gift customs and traditions will allow you to give appropriate gifts in any situation—whether you are a business man or woman, a tourist, an exchange student, or a guest hosted by a friend from another country. The following ideas should be helpful. |
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gift ideas (excerpted from Present Perfect) A book from the current best-seller list would make a great gift for foreign friends and business associates fluent in English. Coffee table books with pictures of American sports, history, scenery, and culture are also popular. Gifts of paintings, sculpture, ceramics, and other pieces of art by American artists are usually appreciated. Many people enjoy receiving gifts that are not readily available in their country. Such gifts include state-of-the-art electronic gadgets and the latest electrical appliances. (Include a voltage converter, if needed.) Musical recordings—classical, jazz, country, folk, rock—make interesting intercultural gifts. Trendy blue jeans, athletic shoes, T-shirts, and sweatshirts with sports team logos or clever slogans make fun clothing gifts. Accessories, desk sets, luggage, scarves, ties, handbags, and costume jewelry by top designers or from distinctive stores are well received. Give quality food items from the region of the country in which you live—peanuts from Georgia, maple syrup from Vermont, cheese from Wisconsin. Where applicable, gifts of food should be in accordance with Kosher or other religious food laws. Posters of pop artists, sports heroes, and television and movie stars are hits with teenagers from other countries. Children enjoy American toys and sports equipment—Frisbees, in-line skates, baseballs and bats, footballs, and basketballs. Be sure to show the youngsters how to use the items you give. Paying import taxes on gifts you bring into a foreign country is a thoughtful and much-appreciated gesture. As a general rule, give only gifts of very high quality that will serve as lasting reminders of you and your visit. Be careful not to give gifts that conflict with cultural or religious values. For example, alcohol of any kind, books or magazines containing photographs of immodestly dressed persons and sculptures depicting human or animal forms conflict with the practical aspects of Islam. click here for index to gift-giving
Want to see where you can find additional gift ideas? |
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