The Great Omiyage Thread

[nice gaijin]

Actually, the honey is the only thing on the list I haven't gotten yet. There's a local honey/beekeeper store nearby that has excellent stuff from a wide variety of plants. It's quite amazing how much range there is in color, flavor and consistency.

 

[Ranpyon]

I presented to my host family (which ended to be only a lady lol) some Italian stuff, because she liked Italy (she even knew Italian).
Well, that's what I took:
* a stylish Italian Bialetti Moka + 250g of finest Italian cofee
* tablecloth, napkins, pot holder with a pattern typical of my area
* Italian cheese (Grana) + random Italian food lol
* picture books about my area

I'm pretty sure I presented her more stuff, but I dont remember what @_@ eww
For my friend I took an italian polo and some liquor for his parents, and for another friend I took some cute stationery because she loves kawaii things I also took other "jolly" gifts for my other friends, about soccer and so on ^^

 

[NekoMama7]

Just found this thread...

I can only suggest stuff to bring from the US, but you'll get the idea.

I found that eco bags are really useful in Japan and they can be great low-cost souveniers. I hear many expats stock up a bunch of bags from Trader Joe's or Whole Foods to bring back to Japan. Basic canvas bags at TJ's are about $2.99 and they're not sold in Japan (that's the key). Many bookstores have their own totes, as well as department stores and museum shops.

As far as I know, brands like Old Navy and Ann Taylor don't have stores in Japan. Bath & Body Works is a great place to stock up on lotions and soaps when they're on sale. They are not sold in Japan. It seems like that Japanese prefer fruity scents (esp Orange-y ones). Preserves from Sarabeth's Kitchen are great, but you need to pack carefully. My sisters said they'd never seen microwave popcorns when I brought one. Just make sure that you give accurate instructions as Japanese microwave ovens don't have the preset "popcorn" buttons!

My mother liked ragluhs (the spelling may vary) that I got from Ralphs. Many Kosher bakeries have pastries and cookies that aren't sold in Japan and they're not too sweet. If you can get a hold of premium chocolates (like Joseph Schmidt), they can be nice, too. Miniature-size candy bars that are sold in bulk at Target, etc., are fun too. They might be on the sweet side, but because they're small, your Japanese hosts may be able to enjoy them. Holiday versions of M&M's are fun too.

Coffee table books on your home turf may be nice to give, but they can be a bit heavy.

Spices and condiments that you know how to use. Even a box of Lipton onion soup mix can be good. Mix with sour cream and you get a dip! Taste of America! Chilli mix (like Wick Fowler's 2-Alarm Chili Mix) or BBQ sauces might be nice too. Chili goes really well with white rice. You should be able to find other ingredients (tomato sauce, meat, etc) in the local markets in Japan.

If you're in the States, shirts and caps of baseball teams with Japanese players would be nice, especially if you have one of those teams in your town. I saw some photos of Kobe Bryant while in Japan. Lakers still sucks since Shaq left, though. If you know the person you're bringing souveniers to is a big sports fan, you may want to ask beforehand so that you can bring in something that's one of a kind.

But as always, local craft items, like dolls and the like, are nice. Don't bring anything huge, though. Remember that Japanese homes are usually tiny!
Maybe I'll come up with more later....

 

[epigene]

I just remembered that we had a good laugh giving out these to kids!

Gummy worms!!

 

[NekoMama7]

If you're a teacher and have some extra space in your suitcase, consider brining a whole batch of Sunday paper. Coupons and all. Bigger the better. Show it to your students and talk about it in the class.

 

[Goldiegirl]

It's already starting...the pressure of what to bring everybody. What are we going to buy for him, for her, for your brother, and his cat and the neighbor and the list goes on. We are heading back to Japan in about 6 weeks and the question of what to bring everyone is hanging over my head like a giant hangmans noose. Everytime we go back to Japan are we expected to bring omiyage? We are going to be there on a routine basis. It's getting hard to bring new and exciting gifts. We've done cheese, candy, honey, jams and jellies, sports stuff etc. I am out of ideas. And do I have to bring as much stuff as I usually bring...now that we are going to be there frequently? I like giving gifts, but for how long? Can it be small things now? Does it ever end? It's like a gift giving circle...we give so they give, so we give again and it just repeats.....

 

[NekoMama7]

Oh, you are in the omiyage hell! LOL

I'd say stick with folks really close to you. And ask if there's anything particular they'd like from the States. And there's always those boxed chocolates at the airport. "Oh, I've been so f-ing busy, I didn't have any time getting omiyage this time, but I wanted to get you something..." And don't announce to the world that you'll be there. Keep a low profile. Hide! LOL

I bring my mother a big container of Metamucil. That thing works miracle on her but not sold in her neighborhood. My middle sister doesn't appreciate anything, so I usually don't bring her anything.

 

[Goldiegirl]

Thanks NekoMama7! Thank-you for understanding. I wish everyone I knew needed metamucil, that would make gift giving so much easier! About keeping a low profile, I'd love to do that...if only we could. I do like giving everybody stuff because I think they do appreciate it. The hard part is the weight restrictions when flying and just managing the who gets what gift and the oh my gosh we forgot to get your mom something issues. I was thinking today that all the people I know there chew a lot of gum, would bringing an assortment of chewing gums be ok?

 

[Davey]

if you know what they like you can bring the same thing again.

My family in law loves Dutch cheese, so everytime that I will be going to the Netherlands I will bring Dutch cheese with them, and some local wine/whiskey.

I think the first time you should bring most omiyage's, they next times only some small things.

 

[NekoMama7]

Mmmm...cheese....

Anyway, Goldiegirl, do you have a Costco membership? Or any of your friends have one? Go get some huge Costco-size packages of gum. "OMG! Even gum is huge in America!!" And when it's around major holidays, Peeps in various forms can be a fun conversation piece. "It's super sweet and disgusting, but I can't stop eating them." That's what my youngest sister kept saying while eating chick Peeps. Cheap and light too.

In Japan, there is a huge omiyage market and wherever you go, there are merchandise sold for that particular purpose. Train stations, airport, department stores, etc. In addition to being customary to bring omiyage, stores are selling omiyage products (whatever may be) right in your face wherever you go. It's tough to deal with a society like that. And lots of Japanese tourists spend lots of time shopping for omiyage (more than sightseeing) when they travel, you know.

Thank goodness for Metamucil.

 

[maushan3]

I want to give something very Mexican, along with some American things, mostly food. I thought テキラ (I'm getting better at Japanese!) or Tequila would be a a great thing to give but after giving it some thought, yes, I might have some trouble with the association and/or family since drinking age in Japan is 20 and I am 17.

So, I will bring some regional candy, American beef jerky, mmm, probably some souvenir from my home, a music CD from the U.S. depending if I have a host sister/brother and probably a shirt for my host dad and mom.

Mauricio

 

[Goldiegirl]

Yes, bring beef jerky. That was a big hit with everone.

 

[NekoMama7]

Beef jerkeys made and sold in the USA are still banned in Japan. If you're caught at the customs, you'll be forced to give them up.

 

[nice gaijin]

I brought jerky with me last fall and there was no problem, but that might just be because they didn't check my luggage... According to this link, Beef products were barred from import as of January last year. So it's a great gift, but perhaps you do run the risk of it being confiscated.

 

[Goldiegirl]

Not only have I brought numerous bags into Japan, I mailed Christmas presents there as well and they were all beef sausages and such and I had no trouble. One of the boxes was even opened up upon entry and customs let it through, it just held up delivery for a day. I am not saying it's legal, but I've haven't had a problem.