Gifts from Japan

A

Amos

先輩

6 Dec 2006

97

6

• 6 Jul 2007

• #1

Not really sure where to post this one, but here goes.

A Japanese penpal of mine is visiting England in a few weeks and has asked me what sort of gifts she should get for the family she is staying with.

So far I only know that she is staying with an English teacher, whether male, female, young, old I don't know?? I've also got no idea of their tastes. I half get the feeling that my penpal doesn't know much about them either!

Any suggestions? Things that are relatively light and not likely to break in transit would be good.

Thanks

 

marsans

先輩

5 Apr 2007

164

2

• 6 Jul 2007

• #2

I think a nice set of chopsticks is always a great gift from Japan.

Maybe some candy too.

 

I

Indietee

後輩

3 Jul 2007

25

0

• 6 Jul 2007

• #3

Yes, chopstics is good!
Also, "sensu" was great response when I gave it to host family.

________________________
INDIE TEE

 

Grandpa Frank

Sempai

Admin

Twenty-year veteran

21 May 2003

14,310

4,404

• 6 Jul 2007

• #4

The cat, the cats !

The little good luck cats(beckoning cats) statues are kool. My best friend in Japan sent me a couple and they are so cute.

Uncle Frank

 

Nisei88

Irregular Member

29 May 2007

36

0

• 7 Jul 2007

• #5

How about a small bottle of sake or shochu (sp?) or one of those charms you can get a temple? Also fun is a pack of fags (cigs) with some unique English written on them. I'm assuming your friend is of age.

 

frostyg02uk

先輩

28 Jun 2007

711

13

• 7 Jul 2007

• #6

hmmm chocolate is always great..for me.
When i first came back from Japan i got all of my family a thing to put on their walls. I think if you get something for the home its always put to use.

 

hanachan

先輩

10 Mar 2007

265

16

• 7 Jul 2007

• #7

How about Furoshiki? Maybe you know this --- a scarf-like square cloth, usually about 60cm square, it's used for wrapping and carrying things.
Furoshiki are dyed in various colors, decotated with traditional patterns, a taste of Kimono.
They are nice to use as bandana, tapestry... and any decoration.
Light weight and reasonable price (from cheap to very expensive, you can choose) are also nice.

 

A

Amos

先輩

6 Dec 2006

97

6

• 7 Jul 2007

• Thread starter
• #8

Arigato!

Thanks to all for your suggestions. It's a list that gives scope to satisfy any host family

Arigato

 

C

Chris K

先輩

28 Dec 2006

84

0

• 30 Jul 2007

• #9

hanachan said:

How about Furoshiki? Maybe you know this --- a scarf-like square cloth, usually about 60cm square, it's used for wrapping and carrying things.
Furoshiki are dyed in various colors, decotated with traditional patterns, a taste of Kimono.
They are nice to use as bandana, tapestry... and any decoration.
Light weight and reasonable price (from cheap to very expensive, you can choose) are also nice.

Click to expand...

I saw hundreds of them at the airport, a good choice. SOme are very attractive.
I myself went for the traditional wooden dolls, cant remember what there called though

 

nice gaijin

Resident Realist

Moderator

Donor

Twenty-year veteran

8 Aug 2005

7,316

3,727

• 31 Jul 2007

• #10

good japanese tea is my highest recomendation, followed by the usual stuff recommended by everyone else.

 

pugtm

Jewish Samurai

21 Apr 2007

567

13

• 31 Jul 2007

• #11

tenugi, fans, charms, anything you might get as souvenirs if you went there.
though sake sounds fun and so do tea leaves you may have problems getting them through due to restrictions on food and also they may get squashed or break and that would be a pain.
one thing i think is cool would be Japanese currency since im a coin collector.

 

kidtokyo

Tokyo 9/16/07

10 Jun 2002

53

0

• 11 Aug 2007

• #12

I know I'll be bringing back some Toys for my coworkers!

 

E

ET_Fukuoka

先輩

7 Feb 2007

143

1

• 11 Aug 2007

• #13

I say an idol calendar, chopsticks, fan, Japanese style flip-flops, house slippers, Japanese snacks, sake, shouchuu, can coffee, sake dispensing set...