Way to Russia Talk Lounge

zenurez · Just Starting Joined: 25 May 2003 Posts: 2

Hi,

I am from the USA and will be in Russia in September and hope to do a combination of hostels and homestays. I have heard that gift giving is common in Russia. Especially things that are hard to get in Russia. But I can't find anyone who knows what things are hard to get in Russia.

What kinds of things are good to bring as gifts? Jeans, makeup, nylons, contraceptives, blank casset tapes, flashlights????????

I do not have much to spend, but I would like to bring gifts that will be of use and value to friends/hosts and helpful people.

Thanks, Zenure

UsualSuspect · Posted: Fri May 30, 2003 5:39 am Post subject: Gift stuff

Zenure,
I've done homestays as well, and you should bear in mind a couple of things. Most apartments are small, so your gifts should be smallish,as you'll also have to transport them, preferably flat and "non-russian". Something that reflects either the US, your state, your hometown is good. Tea Towels are great (you may call them "drying cloths" for drying plates and glasses) if they are decorative. Similarly fridge magnets are good along with stickers or picturesque postcards. Chocolates (if they survive) are great. A decorative plate is something else to consider. I tend also to buy hat-pins and stuff to give away. Also think of a book with pictures of the countryside.
I'm not sure if a preserved tarantula paperweight (from Arizona) would be acceptable Smile

but a paperweight type thing is worth considering. How about something in stained glass??
The list can be endless......
It may sound corny to buy these type of souvenirs, but I've found even small
stuff is appreciated.

Most western goods are available in Russia, although at a cost. If you know what someone likes in the way of cosmetics, bring some with you as I've found the prices in Russia to be unbelievable (try double!!).

Regards
UsualSuspect

Bender · Posted: Fri Jul 11, 2003 12:23 pm Post subject:

especially on the plane ride. you can get duty free goods!!

Guest · Posted: Mon Jul 21, 2003 5:27 am Post subject: Gifts

Most evrything available here in the US is now available there now. I have found in the past my Russian friends, and family there really like my home state T-shirts from Texas, bandana's, Leatherman pocket tool (which may difficult to get through customs now), for the men. For the ladies, cosmetics are always good, as well as a nice perfume, dish cloths, towels, handkercheifs with maybe a flower design, etc. The ladies also like the bandana's I bought in WalMart. In the days after Russia first opened its doors to tourism everything there was difficult to find, and I am glad those days are over because I can now pack more essentials than before. In those days the favorite gifts my friends asked for was peanut butter, American toilet paper, warm socks, and warm shoes..........Randy

David M Rowell · Posted: Tue Jul 22, 2003 1:35 am Post subject:

First of all, allow me to join the chorus of response and repeat that you can get anything/everything in Russia that you can in any other modern civilised country.

Anyone that talks about shortages of anything is at least a decade out of date!

In terms of gift giving, maybe I'm just ultra-culturally insensitive, but I've found gift giving customs to be very similar all around the world, both in terms of gifts I've received and gifts I've chosen to give. It is customary to bring a 'small little something', usually something that specially relates to your part of the world. It need not be expensive or elaborate, but rather is often one of those 'it is the thought that counts' type things.

In my case, I tend to bring either Seattle badged items of clothing (t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc) and/or calendars featuring the area and/or distinctive local food items (in my case, smoked salmon is a regular favorite to bring with me), and/or 'coffee table books' about the local area.

I personally never buy cosmetics other than to order - I'm very reluctant to impose my own idiosyncratic ideas about what smells or looks nice on someone else!