First Time Gifts for Russian Women…
It is a Russian custom to not visit empty handed. This is a true custom. I will speak in regards to those that are using an agency and are expecting to meet many RW. One of those encounters will be with your future bride to be... you don’t want to do so with empty hands. I'm not saying that every RW you meet must be preceded by a gift. It depends on the relationship you had before hand and the type and value of gift goes accordingly. In Russian customs the gift is present up front upon visiting.
Unless you have had some serious email correspondence, I would recommend withholding any gifts on the first meeting. The reason is that the first meeting is really a meeting and not a visit. It is a time where the couple really gets a good look at each other to determine if there is a future in such a relationship. Think of it as a truth in lending statement. For serious men and women about 50% of the initial meetings will not go any further for one reason or another. This leaves still many gifts to be thought about. They should not be expensive just thoughtful. If possible they should represent something about your local area, even better if you have a story to tell about the product. Here are some examples:
1) Stuffed Animals, Small (many RW love these, many still sleep with them into their 20s).
2) Perfumes, Miniature size varieties (RW love these, they are easy to carry but not all perfumes are popular).
3) Bath Soap Baskets (many RW love these, bath care product are not cheap in Russian).
4) Bath Fizzy Ball Sets (most RW love these, a great treat in the bath for them).
5) European Boxed Chocolates (cool weather only, RW always enjoy European chocolates).
6) T-shirts with company logos (could be just a fad but RW need something to wear at home).
7) Crystal or glass menagerie figures (RW collect these, but not all & these can get a bit pricey).
8) Jelly Bellies, boxed (California novelty that has a great story behind it).
9) Sees Candies are well liked (cool weather only, a local California novelty that all RW love).
10) Shot Glasses from your local attractions that are world renowned.
Ronin
Last edited on Tuesday June 17th, 2008 08:22 pm by ronin1
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