Expert: Shannon G. - 3/16/2008

Question
Hi Shannon. My question is in regards to my father's 70 th birthday this spring.  what are appropriate gifts for a very "chinese -thinking" (ie. old -fashioned!) sort of guy? There are four of us children- I am the oldest (a daughter).  He has four grandchildren (all offspring of his 2 daughters). His youngest son is yet unmarried,while the oldest son is married 3 years but as yet childless,and lives overseas in Taiwan (Dad is from Canton,China). Also, what is a good gift from Mom to Dad on his birthday? Thanks for all your help!!

Answer
Anything that is relating to Chinese Culture would interest him in my opinion. He would be delighted to see something very Chinese. For example 1 piece of Chinese Painting to be hang on the wall.

A photo of all Family Members together would also be great! Chinese people (especially old people) love big family and kids.

A jade crane is not bad as you mentioned he's 70 years old, unless he's still energetic and in good shape. I assume that most people at his age would need one. But I personally perfer my first 2 suggestions.

Happy birthday to him!

Best,

Shannon