Expert: Victoria Hamilton - 8/31/2009

Question
My teenage daughter will be visiting Hong Kong with her school for a weeklong exchange program.  I know we need to send items for her to give as gifts to her host family and students at her host school.  What types of items would be appropriate and how do I find out about limitations on what and how much she can take to give as gifts.

Answer
Hi Nancy,

Presents given to people living in Asia tend to be best when they are things that the people there cannot buy in their own country, for example different perfumes/chocolates/cookies/trinkets or perhaps a souvenir of your country/state/city. Going to HK can be tricky as they have many western things there already. So I would say your best bet is to get something specific from where you live, be it food, souvenirs etc. You cant really go wrong with that. The host family will in exchange learn more about where you and your daughter live.

As for what the limitations are, well that's completely up to you. Just don't go there with an armful of gifts as the host family may feel a little embarrassed. Something for each member of the family or something the host family can use together will be enough. The same goes for the students at school. Remember, Hong Kong is much more advanced than China where I currently live, so there are lots of foreign brand food shops, clothing shops etc, so your best bet is to get something specific to where you live.

If you dont mind me asking, where are you from?

Victoria.