What's an appropriate New Year's gift?

[ArmandV]

Since New Year's has great importance in Japan, what would be an appropriate gift to send from another country? I am sending a gift to a lady friend in Tokyo but wonder what would be appropriate.

 

[h-kay]

New Year (Jan 1st-3rd) is a time to return to your hometown to visit family, relatives and friends from your school days. Children receive money in special envelpes from grandparents and relatives. Traditional dishes and lots to drink are enjoyed. We do not exchange gifts. It is not a commercial holiday thank goodness!
How about sending a calendar made by one of your local charities showing scenes from your area or something of interest to you.

 

[ArmandV]

New Year (Jan 1st-3rd) is a time to return to your hometown to visit family, relatives and friends from your school days. Children receive money in special envelpes from grandparents and relatives. Traditional dishes and lots to drink are enjoyed. We do not exchange gifts. It is not a commercial holiday thank goodness!

My reference guides mention the children money envelopes. It does not mention gifts to adults. But it does not say not to either.

How about sending a calendar made by one of your local charities showing scenes from your area or something of interest to you.

Those are good ideas. I don't want to be cheap either (I am not inferring that your suggestions are "cheap"). She has been in the U.S. and has a very good idea of our customs, etc. I appreciate your input.

 

[epigene]

As the other poster says, New Year is not a gift-giving season. A gift might be given, if you're visiting the homes of your superior in your company, elders in the extended family, customers, etc., but they are always only small "token" gifts, never expensive--like a small box of green tea or a bottle of good Japanese sake or wine.

If you need it to be of good value to express your appreciation of the person, why not called it a "belated" Christmas gift. If she knows Western customs, I'm sure she'll be delighted. I'd appreciate any "belated" Christmas gift!

Just my two cents!

 

[ArmandV]

Your "two cents" are worth a million. Thanks!

 

[ArmandV]

Took your advice!

As the other poster says, New Year is not a gift-giving season. A gift might be given, if you're visiting the homes of your superior in your company, elders in the extended family, customers, etc., but they are always only small "token" gifts, never expensive--like a small box of green tea or a bottle of good Japanese sake or wine.

If you need it to be of good value to express your appreciation of the person, why not called it a "belated" Christmas gift. If she knows Western customs, I'm sure she'll be delighted. I'd appreciate any "belated" Christmas gift!

Just my two cents!

While it's not "belated," it is an on-time Christmas gift. I sent a Chanel No. 5 gift set. She's already excited as she knows its on its way.

 

[Minako]

What a sweet gift! ArmandV she sould love it, as I would! Aww!

 

[ArmandV]

What a sweet gift! ArmandV she sould love it, as I would! Aww!

I certainly hope so! I haven't been able to get a hold of her since the big snowstorm last week.