What would make a great gift?

[kuru]

If all goes according to plan, I will be in Japan next monday; ready to start school on April 1st.
I read somewhere that it would be a good idea to bring a small supply of trinkets and thingamawhatnots to leave as gifts for people who have gone out of their way to help you.

Somehow, I can't get the picture of a baka white man throwing around glass marbles and tiny mirrors to the savage natives in return for land and gold, out of my head. With that said; I would like to make an effort on this matter.

Some months back, I was lucky enough to meet with the japanese ambassador to Denmark (as the only willing student body....although I was not even a student at the time) and his 1st secretary, who showered us with gifts from Japan after the tour of a Technical College.
However, the point is; they weren't handing out trash, most of the gifts were realy clever.

So, to get to the point. What would make great gifts? considering limitations on weight, size and price.
My little cousin suggested a pony, but then again that's her answer to everything. I was thinking more like english chocolate (since I'll be stopping in Heathrow) or things like that.

any ideas??

[GomiGirl]

Something traditional from your country that you can tell a story about. Can be fairly inexpensive but not so that it looks "cheap". Nice packaging will go along way on that score too.

I like glossy calendars with good photography showing landmarks and interesting views. They are light and easy to pack but look great and the person will remember you all year.

Food is always good too... traditional and interesting but not too weird. English chocolate or scottish shortbread are always winners.

Badges are good too as "trinkets" that are more casual. As an Australian, the clip on stuffed koalas work well for me as they are cute and cuddly and make people giggle.

Bring more than you think you will need.

[sillygirl]

But Danish liquorice* would be a really bad idea .Especially the salty one

Personally, I love it, but doesn't go down too well in Japan!

Unless you meet someone you don't like!






*Forgot what it's called.....

[Charles]

Lutefisk. Everybody loves lutefisk.

[tidbits]

I like glossy calendars with good photography showing landmarks and interesting views. They are light and easy to pack but look great and the person will remember you all year.

GG! I was thinking and doing the same thing (diffrence is I was giving to someone I was interested! )

kuru, I think some (useful, not just for decoration) hand made stuff from your country would be nice too.

[oyajikun]

How about bags of Scandinavian sweets from the candy shops? I couldn't get enough of them when I was on holiday in Sweden.

[B Gallagher]

chocolate always goes down a treat.

picture books about your home country with captions (even better if they're in japanese) are really good too.. just make sure you have a flip through it before you give it to someone, so that when they ask you about a certain photo you can actually say something. :P

[SovietSupreme]

Best thing to bring is anything with Soviet flag on it. Everyone loves Soviet Union and its great leader, Soviet Supreme. Perhaps you can give a Raketa CCCP watch to someone special. Give pictures of the great Stalin or Lenin. Everyone loves Stalin and Lenin. They are heroes of world peace and justice. You will make many friends if you follow my advice. You can trust Soviet Supreme.

[bunchoffuckinggoofs]

A momento from The Great Fatherland War might stir the passions of many warm-hearted Japanese, right Soviet Supreme?

[Ketou]

Best thing to bring is anything with Soviet flag on it. Everyone loves Soviet Union and its great leader, Soviet Supreme. Perhaps you can give a Raketa CCCP watch to someone special. Give pictures of the great Stalin or Lenin. Everyone loves Stalin and Lenin. They are heroes of world peace and justice. You will make many friends if you follow my advice. You can trust Soviet Supreme.

Hey, do they teach about Stalinist massacres in russian text books?

[Papa-Lazarou]

On my 1st ever trip to Japan i was based in Hano City in Saitama, one night i had to work late and missed the train back to Tokyo.
This lovely middle aged couple took pity on me wondering round the streets and took me into their home.
We got on great and they invited me to stay for the final 2 nights of my contract
I was so greatful, and got them (amongst other things) a box of Swiss chocolates.

Sadly the lady had a wierd allergic reaction to the liquour in them, and spent the next 2 days perched over the lavatory emptying her system of all fluids.
I will never forget the sounds that dignified middle aged lady made, it haunted me.........

[emperor]

How about a Faroese/Japanese phrasebook?

Or a Viking Helmet? ... you could wear it onto the plane to save luggage space

[jake9116]

ahhh, wow, this is remarkably similar close to a question i have...although it is more specific.....i will be staying in japan with my girlfriend and her parents, and so i need to bring a housewarming gift! haha, i have heard i should bring something to represent my country, but being from the USA, i can't think of something that would be a good representation of my coutnry besides an ear of corn or something. please help me out!! help me think of good housewarming gifts for my girlfriend's mom...

[kotatsuneko]

how about an american bukakke vid?

[kurohinge1]

[quote="kuru"]If all goes according to plan, I will be in Japan next monday]
I seem to have missed the boat on this one but great post Kuru-san.

I hope you're settling in well in Japan.

Although they're more Norwegian, I'm quite fond of those trolls. Not the internet type ones that often sneak in here, but the traditional Norwegian ones ...




Otherwise, from the Faroe Islands, may I suggest number plates as gifts



Next time you're back home or have family & friends sending loot from home, why not ship over something unique, like number plates. The Japanese can hang them on the wall or even make ash trays or CD-wallets from them- especially the ones with the flag.

And the older ones look like you could slip a "G" in after the "F" to make them "FG" number plates - even better!

[FG Lurker]

haha, i have heard i should bring something to represent my country, but being from the USA, i can't think of something that would be a good representation of my coutnry besides an ear of corn or something.

Let's see...

Well, if you are from the rural US, how about a firearm? You'll surely be welcomed with open arms when you show up with a gift of a fully automatic assault riffle!

If you are from the inner city, maybe a baggie of hard white rocks? They'll feel better than they ever have soon after you arrive!

If you're from the 'burbs then you're fucked (in oh so many ways). Perhaps a massive gas-guzzling road-hogging SUV would be the best representation, but getting it onto the plane could be a squeeze. Maybe a selection of ultra-high-calorie junk food? Oh, and some Jerry Springer tapes! Fun for the whole family -- everyone can gorge in front of the TV while being "entertained" by mindless drivel. A true American suburban experience.

[emperor]

Well, if you are from the rural US, how about a firearm? You'll surely be welcomed with open arms when you show up with a gift of a fully automatic assault riffle!

If tweezers cant get on a plane, then surely an M4 Carbine wont..but...
You could mail them bullets!!



...one at a time... for years and years...........