Way to Russia Talk Lounge

Triggar · Frequent Guest Joined: 13 Oct 2006 Posts: 13

Hello!

I am going to Moscow for a week and staying with a host family outside of the city. I would like to buy them a gift to thank them for their generosity, but don't know what to get for them.

Is there any traditional gift to give to them, or is there a standard gift to give for these things? In the United States, I would have just bought them something for their house, but I don't know if Russians would think that was useless!

Thank you for your help! Smile

Rick · Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2006 12:20 am Post subject:

Moved.

Kesha · Posted: Mon Oct 16, 2006 3:51 am Post subject:

Don't strive to be traditional or standard!
Moscow is a HUGE European city where any & everything can be bought!
It really is the thought that counts, so be thoughtful and creative!
Perhaps something that is specific to the region you are coming from.

MrYaag · Frequent Guest Joined: 22 Aug 2006 Posts: 34

A bottle of vodka!

JamesB · Frequent Guest Joined: 25 Apr 2006 Posts: 20

You want to give them a gift, which they would never think of getting for themselves or are unaware of. Preferrably, the gift should be from your own country (i.e. some kind of consumable product).

Therefore, if you're from the USA, a bottle of Southern Comfort would be well suited.

Another idea is a bottle of mead (wine made from honey).

mediashark · Moderator Joined: 04 Nov 2004 Posts: 1601

I love giving gifts! Smile

But it's kinda hard to buy a gift for someone you don't really know... what is unique to your area? What do tourists usually like buying there?

If you still can't come up with ideas... here are some easy ones:

Chocolates are always well-received. Maybe get some novelty chocolates...

Liquor is also appreciated--whiskey, brandy etc.

Don't forget flowers for the ladies! (Get it from the friendly local babushka.)

UsualSuspect · Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2007 12:56 pm Post subject: Couple of things

Buy a Russian Vodka? No way! If it's going to be alcohol, Southern is OK , but as tequila or gin is outrageously expensive in Russia it's a good choice as well. Bailey's is OK too. Practical gifts like tea towels (from your home state or nation), picturesque calendars and the like are well received. Something "Not Russian"! Simply because your friends can get all the Russian stuff anyway and something from home or different I believe shows you made an effort. This is assuming you have some stuff or are bringing it from home Laughing

2 cents
Usualsuspect

nikir · Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2007 2:58 pm Post subject:

I second that, tea towels and calendars are an excellent choice and remind your friends of you all the time. I like getting stuff like that as well.

Right now I am looking at a beautiful calendar that some friends in St Petersburg gave me last year and I can enjoy it many times each day for the whole year. Means much more to me than the bottle of vodka that came with it and was knocked off at christmas time. It's just a bit disconcerting looking down the Canal Griboedova full of ice in February when it's 35 degrees here but what the hell.

For someone special go a bit more special but keep unique to your country if possible. For example I took some Bundaberg rum over a few trips ago for some special people and now I can't carry enough of it.

Just look for something from where you live that you think your friends will appreciate. It is after all in the thought.

Kesha · Posted: Sat Feb 10, 2007 7:56 pm Post subject:

Not a gift idea, but when staying with my friends in Moscow or Vinnitsa, I try to help with the extra shopping they're doing to put out such amazing meals for me. Eating there is always a huge treat for me! Very Happy

dmndxalin · Posted: Wed May 02, 2007 11:19 am Post subject: GIFT

MY RUSSIAN FRIEND TOLD ME , IF IS A MAN, GIVE BOTTLE OF VODKA , IF IS A WOMAN A BRANCH OF ROSES (THIS IS THE TRADITION) BUT, I LIKE BE DIFFERENT.
I'M MEXICAN SO, I WILL GIVE TO MY RUSSIAN FRIEND A BOTTLE OF TEQUILA:), AND FOR HER A ROSE GOLD PENDANT (I'M JEWELER) AND I KEEP THE TRADITION.

nikir · Posted: Wed May 02, 2007 11:44 am Post subject:

Take something from your own country. It will be more appreciated than a bottle of vodka which can be bought anywhere in Russia.

Also would you like to turn off your caps lock?

dmndxalin · Posted: Thu May 03, 2007 10:44 am Post subject:

SORRY!! BUT.......I EXPRESS MY FEELINGS IN CAPS......UPS!!!
(I HOPE DOES NOT OFFEND YOU)

Ender · Posted: Sun May 13, 2007 9:02 pm Post subject: Re: GIFT

surfguy · Lounge Wizard Joined: 13 Apr 2006 Posts: 6996

I brought a lot of Tequilla over as that was asked of me so I think it's a good choice

jo jo 7 · Posted: Mon May 14, 2007 1:20 am Post subject:

Don't get me started on Tequilla. I would love a Margarita right now. Ahhh!