Tag: Giving gifts in China

What should I give to my loved ones/family in China? I’ve received hundreds of e-mails from people around the world, asking me for advice on this. And believe me, I understand. How many times have I struggled to come up with gifts for the family here in China? (Especially for my husband’s dad, who is the ultimate tough-to-buy-for kind of guy!)

Of course, over the years I’ve discovered there can be a very simple answer to this question – the fruit basket, or even a well-chosen gift-basket.

If I had known this a long time ago, I could have saved myself tons of trouble and money. (I shudder to think of all the cash I’ve thrown away on gifts that didn’t hit the mark.)

Today I’m sharing four tips for giving gift baskets in China, along with some recommendations of gift baskets from Gift Baskets Overseas (scroll down), where you can send a nice gift basket to China from anywhere in the world in just a few easy clicks.

(Disclosure – yes, I’m an affiliate. However, I only recommend products and services that I believe in. Plus, Gift Baskets Overseas has an A-rating from the Better Business Bureau and is rated excellent by customers on the independent review site TrustPilot.)

#1: When in Doubt, Make It a Fruit Basket

Are you totally stumped on what to give your friends or loved ones in China? Meet your new best friend – the fruit basket.

Fruit is one of the most beloved and universal gifts in China. It’s also the number one gift idea among my own family members in China. We always give fruit when we’re visiting someone for a special occasion, or seeing someone in the hospital, or even just want to show we care. Everyone loves fresh fruit, from grandma right down to my four-year-old niece.

You’ll never have to wonder if it’s the right gift. And even better, you can send the fruit basket as a gift to the whole family.

#2: Think Fine, Imported Wines

Did you know China is the world’s top consumer of red wine and the world’s largest wine market? Even my husband’s family traditionally drinks a little red wine on holidays and special occasions. But if it’s an imported wine, you’re sure to make a great impression.

So why not send a fine, imported wine in your gift basket? Reds, whites and even champagne will surely please any of your Chinese family, friends or loved ones, no matter where they live.

#3: Don’t Forget Decadent Imported Chocolates and Cookies for Younger Folks

My online supermarket here in China – which caters to young, middle-class Chinese – has an entire virtual aisle loaded with imported chocolates and cookies. I’ve watched them sell out of mouthwatering French truffles and Belgian darks in a flash, which tells me they’re a perennial favorite among the younger set in China. And like wines, imported is always better.

If you’re buying for younger, middle-class and urban Chinese, consider including imported chocolates and cookies in your gift basket.

#4: Pay Attention to Packaging

Yes, the thought does count (as my dad has always reminded me). But in China, so does the packaging.

It wasn’t until I came to China that I realized how elaborate packaging could actually be (in the most extreme cases, it even overshadows the actual gift). That’s because people care a LOT about presentation for their gifts. How the gift appears says as much about you as the gift itself.

That’s right – your slap-dash home wrapping jobs (where you end up wasting an entire roll of scotch tape on one present) just won’t do here.

Instead, always get it boxed or presented in a nice basket. Red and gold is the traditional good-luck color combo, but honestly, any colors will work as long as the packaging is attractive.

What are your tips for buying gift baskets and fruit baskets for your Chinese family and loved ones?

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