I'll be going to Japan soon to teach English for a year, and it is a tradition/custom to bring some gifts, or "omiage", to show good will. I'm looking for ideas for gifts to give to adults and children alike. Some critiria to help with suggestions:
-Nothing too heavy (weight limit on the plane for luggage and all)
-Nothing too big (again, luggage limitations)
-Nothing gaudy or mundane (shot glasses, magnets, or postcards)
-Something Unisex or able to be given to for any walk of life
-Nothing very fragile, liquid, or perishable.
-Nothing too expensive (no Levis or G-shock watches)
I hope I can get some good ideas from everyone.
Jyaa ne!
2007-03-04 15:45:38 · 9 answers · asked by zelgadiss 4 in Travel ➔ Asia Pacific ➔ Japan
Honestly, for Japanese families, the best things to get them are things that represent your city, state, or country (city being more special than state, and state more than country). These things could be: food/baked goods (sweets are especially good, but adults and children love trying new food!), handicrafts, books of folktales (children's books are best), recipe books, a book with information about your city or state/province, etc. Also, if there is a famous attraction near you, something from there is a good idea. (souvenirs from the Grand Canyon if you live nearby, etc.)
Gifts like these are great, because you give them, and then explain them.
For example: Canadians give maple candies/cookies because Canada is famous for it. Pennsylvanians may want to give something with the Amish on it (Wendell August is a great thing for adults)
Brainstorming about what makes your area unique is the best thing to do. Also, bring a photo album to show to anybody you meet.
2007-03-04 15:58:52 · answer #1 · answered by Rabbityama 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have come and left Japan at least 10 times in the past 15 years. Each needing to bring souvenirs back both ways. Coming to Japan, a "NO MISS" gift is Candy. Japanese have a wonderful sweet tooth and they have a special sweet tooth for foreign sweets.
That would be my best and only recommendation.
Good luck.
2007-03-04 16:07:31 · answer #2 · answered by Looking for the truth... 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
perhaps you are able to get her a present certificate for a nail cropping or pedicure if she's into that type of issue. How bout make her a basket with stuff she likes in it (attempt the dollar save for baskets, candles, knick knacks and such) you are able to placed 3 tiny plane bottles of a few liquor in it. Take her out to dinner. you are able to in no way flow incorrect with present certificate so she could purchase her own cd's, video clips, outfits, etc. Or once you're determined, chilly confusing funds and a card works everytime (regardless of the truth that impersonal, and a normal way out) hey, even a gas card! cases are difficult for a 21 year previous. How bout an low-fee indoor waterfall?
2016-12-05 06:19:19 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe t-shirts or "souviniers" from your hometown? They are cute and it would be great for a japanese to have something they can say "mite! it's from "such and such".
I'm going to japan this summer (staying with host families) and my japanese teacher says hometown gifts are really good. But I'd also like something a bit more personal too.... Guess i need some ideas as well ^-^; Ganbare
2007-03-05 02:58:14 · answer #4 · answered by desolation_boi 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When my daughter went to Europe, I asked for a nice poster that showed what a beautiful place it was. Maybe a pretty poster of the city you came from. Anything that the city you came from is famous for, like stars or giant jelly beans from Texas. Also anything made only in the USA or something that shows a picture of the American flag like playing cards,ball caps, scarf, or pin you can buy at "Claire"
2007-03-04 16:13:15 · answer #5 · answered by nannygoat 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you are coming to teach in Japan why not something that you can use in class...like postcards or a book that show where you are from. Sees chocolates used to work for me, but they have them here now. I enjoyed Newspapers. But I guess these are not "omiage" more like material for class.
2007-03-04 23:19:27 · answer #6 · answered by Mickey22_jp 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
you should get key chains from where you live, like if you lived in NY get key chains that say NY
for the kids if they are teens maybe you should make/buy CD's of songs that teens listen to in the US
sweets are always good, maybe chocolates.
you should get candy for the kids, like snickers, reeces, twix, butter fingers, (what kids in american love) they have kit kat bars in japanso dont get those.
2007-03-05 07:55:39 · answer #7 · answered by Sushilove 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you can try this site, i bought from them before.
The sunglasses comes with box, and the shipping is fast.
it takes about 7 days to be delivered to my home door.
2014-06-12 10:42:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
get a big bucket of chicken--people love chicken
2007-03-04 15:53:43 · answer #9 · answered by squeakivich2002 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋