Gifts to Russians
Don't give these gifts to Russians
- Intimate presents (underwear, pantyhose, etc.)
- Never offer used clothing - never!
- Feminine hygiene products, including shampoos and soaps
- Yellow or black flowers
- Even numbers of flowers
- Mirrors
- Handkerchief
- Money
- Gag items or humorous greeting cards
- "Practical" items like kitchen equipment/culinary tools, pliers set, etc.
- No junky handcrafts (you know, the cheapie you think will look expensive to them - It won't). Russians have a rich history in handcrafting.
Flowers
Flowers, although not original, belong in a special category. It is a significant cultural courtesy to bring flowers to your first meeting with a woman or visit with a family.
If visiting with a family, an additional box of chocolates and a bottle of fine wine or Cognac make extremely nice accompaniments, especially if you are involved in a serious courtship.
Gift Ideas for Russian Woman
NOTE: The first three items on this list are very popular and some decent quality can be purchased economically. Navajo jewelry w/turquoise is a consistent winner. You can easily locate online dealers in the Southwest with catalogs.
- Inexpensive, original Navajo (or other) jewelry
- Native American souvenirs
- Cowboy souvenirs
- Gourmet tea
- Organizer/planner
- Nice pen
- Calendar
- Quality perfume
- Local (your home) souvenirs
- Illustrated books/booklets, postcards about your state, city
- Fine wine or cognac
- Gourmet chocolate
- Fancy cake
Never buy a present made in Indonesia, Brazil, etc. (unless you are from there). It is very important to buy something that was made in the USA (or in France, Germany, etc - in YOUR country).