Question by Jazz: International friendship gift etiquette?
I’m going to Turkey over the summer and we’re going to be eating dinner with a few local families and were told to bring small friendship gifts- from the students something handmade like a painting, poem, bookmark, ect. Should it just be something pretty, or should I relate it somehow back to where I’m from, or definitely NOT do that?
Best answer:
Answer by Kendal P. Greenlee
I feel that small souvenirs from your home country are appropriate. Why don’t you contact whomever is organizing this event and ask them what they suggest?
Give your answer to this question below!
Are you American? People from Turkey are very, very anti-American. They are also very anti-Christian. I would advise against giving them anything at all that has to do with your country, religion, culture, or anything like that. It will offend them. If they have kids, give their kids a Disney stuffed animal character or something like that. You could also give them a framed picture of their own country, or something that has to do with their culture. They will like that a lot. They have very low opinions of Americans and think nobody here knows where they are located on a map, so giving them something about their own culture will impress them and make them think you aren’t like all the other Americans. Giving them something pretty or expensive will be considered rude. They will think you are trying to show off your money, etc. I was never in Turkey, but I spent time in Egypt, which has a similar culture.
Hi, go to a dollar store, and pick up some pencils, pen sharperners, w/e with the flag of UR country, they will love it
I’d like to suggest that you check your local public library for book on international business etiquette. I developed a class years ago when I used one for reference. There are many small details that an American would never think about that can be taken as offensive in other countries. Touching or not touching, using the left or right hand, showing the soles of the feet or shoes and types of gifts can all send unintended signals! So to be 100% sure your gift is appropriate, do the research!
Good luck and have a wonderful trip.