Way to Russia Talk Lounge

louisville62 · Just Starting Joined: 04 Oct 2004 Posts: 4

I’m new to this list. Forgive me if I’m posting in the wrong place or if another post has addressed this specifically (I’ve looked and didn’t see it.) I’m traveling to Russia for the very first time next month, staying with friends and their family. I’ll be staying in Volgograd Oblast – in a smaller town.

I’ve found suggestions for gifts, but am curious about this group’s response. What are ideal gifts to bring as house gifts or personal gifts? I want to give gifts that will truly be welcome and fun.

Any ideas from experience?

ashton · Lounge Lizard Joined: 08 Apr 2004 Posts: 80 Location: US

I have always found that virtually any gift that you bring with you will be appreciated. When I go to Russia I usually bring quite a few gifts, many of which are just in case. It is best not to go overboard or else people tend to feel like they have to get you a gift in return. This has caused problems in the past when I visited friends in Russia.

I usually get the bulk of my gifts for kids. Even if you don't bring enough gifts for everyone, they will appreciate a small gift for their kids. I have found that Russian kids like electronics, a watch with a video game built in, stuffed animals or anything like that. T-shirts are always popular or just about anything that is unique from where you live.

vettra · Posted: Fri Mar 11, 2005 7:51 am Post subject:

One idea I had is to bring various candy. Not M&M's or Mars bars, they have that. Big variety pack of everything else. And most important: peanut butter.
there is no peanut butter in Russia.

mediashark · Moderator Joined: 04 Nov 2004 Posts: 1601

I think candy is unoriginal. Besides Russian candy is so good....

Agree on the peanut butter. It is possible to buy it there, but only in expensive stores.

You can try the novelty items in your tourist shops and bring something unique to your country.

Dr Fauste · Site Admin Joined: 23 Nov 2004 Posts: 654

Nothing says love like Edible Panties!!!!!

Serious get something that is unique to your area, but does not show nationalism. Think in reverese, what you like to receive in Russian? Caviiar, Fur Hat, Chess Board, Samovra, Vodka
Because these items say something unique about Russia, so what is unique about your area .
For Instance Canada
Clamoto, Crown Royal, Maple Syrup, Salmon , Native Crafts and such.. Avoid Flag waving crap and national istic items.

5_Zvehzda · Moderator Joined: 08 Oct 2004 Posts: 347 Location: Arizona

I agree with avoiding anything too patriotic - like national flags. Maybe a state flag, province or city insigma could be a bit more unique. Smoked Salmon sounds like a good idea, like Fauste mentioned. I always thought Macadamia nuts would be an interesting and tasty gift, and distinctly Hawaiian.

Note to self: Avoid bringing glass in-cased scorpion paperweights from AZ.