What should I give a foreigner as a souvenir of Russia?

The answer would seem obvious. Dozens of well-known and, at first glance, win-win options immediately come to mind: Tula samovars, matryoshka dolls, felt boots, Pavlovo-Posad shawls, Dymkovsky toys, household items painted with Gzhel or Khokhloma paintings…

You can list them indefinitely, fortunately, the area is still a huge power and its multinational population makes the concept of a "Russian gift" very, very stretchy. But here are the pitfalls that can sink all hopes for the further development of friendly relations and diplomatic ties with the recipient of the offering.

Thinking about what you can give a foreigner from Russia, you will have to carefully delve into the study of Russian traditions and customs of a country whose representative will have to please at least, and in an ideal scenario, surprise, delight, assure of good feelings, play on the thin strings of the soul and leave an indelible mark in it, if not for life, then for many years.

Is the present a personal matter or a public one?

The degree of individuality is the first aspect that needs to be explored when looking for a suitable souvenir to remember Russia. In cases where all participants of a grandiose foreign delegation are to be presented, there is usually no talk of personification. Small pieces in the style of the world-famous and already mentioned Russian folk crafts are just perfect here. The same for everyone: so that no one is offended, and with a common wish, befitting the occasion and the audience.

If we are talking about a close foreign friend or a VIP, on whom economic and political prospects depend, then the template idea of a gift is extremely undesirable. A bright and outstanding personality will be deeply offended if he feels reduced to the level of one of many. Diplomatic composure, of course, will be preserved, but more out of self-respect, and an unpleasant aftertaste will remain.

To avoid such an embarrassment, you will have to conscientiously, persistently and thoroughly study all personal characteristics: starting with biography and ending with habits. The more personal information you can collect, the better the chance to present an original, memorable, touching, trusting and sympathetic gift.

You'd better come to us!

On whose territory the gift will be presented is an important circumstance. Accepting a dear guest at home, you can safely focus on the local flavor, which, in addition to the gift itself, will tell you a good moment for handing it over. So, for a foreigner who finds himself on Sakhalin, it would be logical to tell about the aborigines of the harsh island of nivkhakh and immediately present fur mittens, soft boots made of fish skin or carved crafts made of walrus tusk.

Is it in Russian? Yes, indeed! Russia is a multinational country that has absorbed the best assets of world cultures and we are proud of it. And if you try to pick out something inherently Russian very meticulously, there is a great risk of abandoning such magnificent examples of folk craft as the Rostov finift or Palekh miniature, the origins of which turn us to the art of icon painting borrowed from Byzantium.

Folk wisdom, which warns against going to a foreign monastery with its own charter, exists in any country of the world, therefore, it is not forbidden to involve an overseas guest in small-town theatrical performances with dressing up, hospitality, songs and dances. But only if there is confidence that it does not go against his own beliefs and principles. For example, donated dog boots or a stone dog figurine carved by Ural craftsmen can cruelly offend a Muslim, for whom a dog is considered an unclean animal.

If you ignore the history of the relationship between the native area and the country of the welcomed foreigner, it is also easy to get into trouble. A service from the Imperial porcelain factory decorated with cobalt mesh is a great gift. But when a resident of Northern Palmyra presents it to a German, it becomes a very unpleasant hint. The famous ornament is a symbol of the besieged Leningrad, and thus it is not very ethical to remind a guest from a long–repentant Germany about the events of World War II.

A gift-a gift

A gift in Russia was called an offering to hospitable hosts, without which it was indecent to go on a visit. The gift was made with their own hands: an embroidered tablecloth, a towel, a birch bark curtain, clay whistles for children. He allowed you to show off your own wealth and skills, but he was useful, fitting into someone else's life. They tried to give only what would not gather dust in a dusty closet.

This ancient principle will allow you to look at suitable souvenirs brought with love from Russia before a long journey. At the same time, it would not be superfluous to arm yourself with at least dotted knowledge about the customs of the country to which you are to arrive with gifts.

Going to Asia, you need to be prepared for the fact that the gift will be accepted reluctantly, since local etiquette strongly prescribes refusing any offering three times. In Lebanon, a man presenting a gift to a woman must certainly explain that he is doing this on behalf of his wife or a female colleague, but not on his own behalf.

In some countries, it is customary to give rich gifts for the New Year, others especially highlight Independence Days, in others, a careless offering can even turn into an accusation of bribery. Curious gift traditions are ubiquitous, here are just a few of them.

USA

Americans are a democratic people without complexes. They consider it unnecessary to spend energy and money on elegant packaging of a present, a paper bag of any color except black and purple, which they consider mourning, is enough. You need to put a business card in the package, but no logos of your company. Advertising is not considered a gift! Handmade products are highly appreciated, but the thing must be functional. They don't like cluttering up living space with useless decor in the states. Therefore, choosing between a wall panel and a sugar bowl, it is better to give preference to the latter. Going to stay with an American family, you definitely need to give gifts to children.

Argentina, Brazil, Chile

In these countries, it is strictly forbidden to enter an empty-handed party. Expensive gifts are not expected, but those that remind you of the place and the event are very much loved. Painted toys, boxes made of clay and wood will come to the yard. No one will refuse a more luxurious gift, whether it is a product from Russian jewelers or an iPhone decorated with Russian symbols. Moreover, it is customary to present large gifts solemnly, attracting the attention of other guests and a mandatory story about the value and uniqueness, but modest offerings are given slowly, left alone with the addressee.

Mexico

Anything, but no silverware! Silver is in its own price here, and attempts to sell foreign goods are regarded as a blow to Mexican patriotism.

The Middle East

That's where the book is really the best gift. It symbolizes wisdom here, because even modest publications presented as a gift are highly valued. What can we say about the luxurious gift folios. The same awe is caused by writing materials. When choosing a gift, it is important to pay special attention to the materials from which it is made. Silver, porcelain, gems, cashmere, precious metals are welcome, but pigskin is taboo. You need to give a gift with your right hand, with your left you can only support it if it is very heavy.

China

Watches fall under the categorical prohibition of gift Chinese etiquette – they remind of death. A set, a set or a service should not consist of four items, the four is also associated with the Chinese with a departure to another world. Umbrellas, fans and handkerchiefs serve as an omen of grief. A green headdress is an attribute of a cuckold, and shoes are a means to escape from a friend, lover or partner. Of the things that can and should be given, elite cigarettes, alcohol and luxury accessories for them are especially good. Branded engraved pens are welcome. Clothes, wallets, pocket knives with Russian symbols and precious curiosities from Russian artisans are accepted with approval.

Now our foreign friends will be satisfied, and we will think about what to buy for those who live in the same country with us ;) Read, "Gift Ideas for the New Year."