Gifts from Japan

[Amos]

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]

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

Maybe some candy too.

 

[Indietee]

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

________________________
INDIE TEE

 

[Grandpa Frank]

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]

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]

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]

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.

 

[Amos]

Arigato!

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

Arigato

 

[Chris K]

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.

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]

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

 

[pugtm]

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]

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

 

[ET_Fukuoka]

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