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Help!
Been working with a lad on the far side of the world for the last few years. I've now move on to a different project, and he kindly bought me a wee Japanese gift - now I feel obliged (and happy to) repay the favour. But what on earth to get*? Something Scottish themed would be good. We've plied them with various Scottish snacks over the years, so that easy option is probably done. anyone feel like suggesting something? Bear in mind it'll be flown home, so perishable isn't ideal.
Cheers!
*not entirely suitable suggestions welcome
Whisky is an an obvious one. Otherwise shortbread or tablet?
Framed picture of Wee Jimmy Krankie and a Tunnocks tea cake.
Cultural exchange Done!
Crate of Irn Bru?
Kilt.
Bottle of buckfast or a pound of square sausage?
Snacks are nice, but they are really something that he would buy as gifts to take home for his friends and family.
Assuming he drinks, whisky would be a great idea.
Bagpipes
You know how the Japanese love tea or the at least the ritual of tea.
80 co op specials will sort it if they have a sense of humor.
Good bottle of Scotch, or a copy of Kokigami.
A tweed covered hip flask and maybe a small bottle of a local whisky ?
Something that you just drink unfortunately leaves no memories
How about a Sgian-dubh? Assuming he's using checked baggage?
Trainspotting movie poster but on a tea towel.
Something that you just drink unfortunately leaves no memories
Whisky is a traditional prestige gift for Japanese men. However, not much point giving it if your friend doesn't like it so that's something to check out first.
You're in a common trap in dealing with Japanese people. They often give gifts in appreciation, but then that puts the other person into feeling obliged to respond. One thing to watch is that your gift should be of comparable value to theirs, otherwise they'll probably feel embarrassed. Just something small, of good quality is the trick, especially if it typical of the local culture.
However, a set of bagpipes would be great if your friend has a sense of humour.
What about a -tshirt? Granted this is even more geographically specific than just Scotland.
A sgian dubh or a sporren
Rab C Nesbit DVD box set
...i think buckfast is English.
Not sure about the square sausage.
🙂
Signed Braveheart poster 🙂
- A tweed covered hip flask and maybe a small bottle of a local whisky ?
The above sounds good to me.
When I worked in Japan I was aware of the 'gift of comparable value' protocol, and accordingly had a massive stock of whisky minatures to give out. They were generally very well received.
If you're buying whisky, a bottle of Ben Nevis 10 would be a good one to get because there's a Japanese connection- the distillery is Japanese owned and most of its output gets shipped over there and repackaged as Japanese whisky.
Nice shout MRB
😀
the ‘gift of comparable value’ protocol
That being the case, knowing an approximate value of the original gift might be useful.
A good friend of mine worked for a Japanese company for a while. From the tales he's told me, 'protocol' as you accurately put it is a bloody minefield.
That being the case, knowing an approximate value of the original gift might be useful.
Unfortunately I have no idea of the value of a piece of art that he brought across!
The protocol is fascinating. In this particular scenario I can't see anyone getting upset, he's quite used to western ways now.
Quaich had been on my radar before and then forgotten about, looks like a good option. Nice wee memento without (hopefully) anyone getting overly concerned about the value
Quaich was a good idea. Signifies trust and friendship.
My 1st thought was whisky. Tbh but the quaich is a better idea.
Single Malt. Obvs
@mrb123 - there's a reason Ben Nevis whisky is shipped overseas!! Bowfin'!
As someone mentioned above maybe a Quaich. Given the Japanese tea ceremonies, there's a bit of a ceremony associated with the Quaich too.
Food/drink is usually good. My first thought would be whisky.
They probably don't want tourist tat that will take up space in a small house (if it doesn't get binned immediately).
Have bought gifts for many Japanese colleagues / friends over the years. A Quaich is always well received as is whisky. You really do need to work out the value of his gift to you to match it, or it will generally cause a bit of upset.
Haggis Pelt.
Porcelain opium poppy.
simian
Free Member
Haggis Pelt
never catching one with these ground conditions!
Quaich would be great for a tea ceremony
Fried Mars bar?
For those interested, decided just to send a hooker to his hotel room. Seemed the sensible option in the end
Such a thoughtful and well meant gift! It's the sort of thing that could, depending on the location, remain with him for a long time.
For those interested, decided just to send a hooker to his hotel room. Seemed the sensible option in the end
"I saw this and thought of you."
Also, WCPGW
A pair of DMs obviously.