I am visiting my fiance's parents in Greece (suburban Athens) for the first time during Easter week. What would be a good gift to give them? I am thinking of something for their house. I know that I should not give knives as a present (not that I was even thinking of that), but are there any other no-nos? I have asked my fiance, but he didn't have any suggestions.
2007-03-11 19:13:10 · 11 answers · asked by wanderinglady123 2 in Travel ➔ Europe (Continental) ➔ Greece
I'm from the United States. My fiance's parents are about "average" on the religiousity scale. I'm not bringing them an "Easter" gift, per se, I just would like to show my appreciation for them being my hosts and future in-laws.
2007-03-12 10:59:58 · update #1
There are no "No-no"s because of being Greek. (Well, you could avoid something made in Turkey-lol!). But seriously, just think the same way you would think about meeting any in-laws. Greek doesn't change things so much. Oh, the week before Easter is fasting, so don't get them any foods. Candles are nice at this season, or a nice book with photographs from where you come from, or anything nice for the house that expresses your personality and taste really.
Oh, and these things about being a woman you don't bring gifts and not giving gifts at Eatser and so on, I have been greek for 30 years and I've never heard of that before. It is actually quite rude not to bring a gift when you visit.
2007-03-11 20:46:09 · answer #1 · answered by cpinatsi 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, your fiance is right, there is not something specific you should avoid or something customary presented on these occasions. However, it is true that you should get them something, besides being the bride-to-be, you are invited at their home (I guess) so it is polite to offer a gift - moreover, you can expect a gift from them, maybe something in gold. Something for the house is a good thought, however you do not know their tastes (maybe your fiance can help at this). It could be a decorative item (and not something for cooking !), like a vase or an ashtray or candleholders. If you decide to offer them a silver photo frame (very common in this country) please do not include your picture with it, it is not polite. On the other hand, you could bring a nice scarf for your mother in law and a tie for the father - and they can both be happy with their separate, more personal gifts.
2007-03-12 04:35:49 · answer #2 · answered by yiotadelta 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Whether parents are helping financially or not, they are still your parents. This is a special occassion for you. My suggestion is to make a picture collage - some small pictures of you and your fiance when you were children growing up and then together, surrounding a wedding picture of the bride and groom. Each parent will have there own unique gift, buy different frames and variate the pictures. It is both personal and thoughtful, and you & husband might enjoy working on this little project together.
2016-03-29 01:02:33 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since you supply no more information about your fiances parents(are they religious, open minded etc). Traditionally you being a woman do not bare gifts. You are being introduced to the family. What you bring is your smile and charming personality and good manners. We want to know that our boy is making the right choice. If you want you can take them flowers. You will be scrutinized (but that is not a Greek trait only). Easter is wild in Greece. Have fun.
2007-03-11 21:13:00 · answer #4 · answered by The Stainless Steel Rat 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
This year on easter you will bear your own cross so be patient (i hope you will stay for a week or less). So any home gift is fine just bring a whole lot of patience. Greek mothers are horrible mother-in-laws.
2007-03-11 21:49:06 · answer #5 · answered by Takis 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A goat on a spit is a great idea! And usefull too, coming Easter.
Well, the fact is that during Easter giving gifts is not customary. You however are a special case.
Where are you from? You could take a traditional decoration item from your country.
2007-03-11 20:52:37 · answer #6 · answered by Kimon 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Honey, you're their son's girlfriend.Doesn't matter what you choose to give to them, they're not gonna like it.
Does your fiance have any other brothers?That might help a little bit.
You should buy something that the MOTHER likes.That's how it works in Greece.So the goat would be a terrible choice...
2007-03-12 01:25:35 · answer #7 · answered by LauraPalmer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I thing you have watched the movie "My big fat Greek weeding". Why are you so concern about the present you are going to give them? Just buy a souvenir from your country.
2007-03-12 02:40:30 · answer #8 · answered by maran 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I AGREE WITH CPINATSI CANDLES OR OR CANDLE HOLDERS ARE A GREAT IDEA.......BESIDES I'M PRETTY SURE ITS LAMB FOR EASTER NOT GOAT AND WHAT A TIME YOU WOULD HAVE GETTING THAT THROUGH CUSTOMS.
GUESTS SHOULD ALWAYS COME WITH GIFTS MAN OR WOMAN
2007-03-12 10:45:32 · answer #9 · answered by zipp380 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
for mama get some slippers and papa a new komboloy
2007-03-12 05:23:23 · answer #10 · answered by eviot44 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋