I am leaving for Ukraine tomorrow and have not yet selected gifts for my lady's mother, father and sister (I know, nothing like waiting till the last minute - you should see how I shop for Christmas.....).
ANYWAY - the last lady I was involved with only had a mother - no other close relatives - so this wasn't so big a problem.
To those who have properly met the family of a Ukrainian lady - what gifts are appropriate?
For the Dad I brought a nice baseball jersey from the Tucson Sidewinders. For the Mother I brought some big picture books of Tucson. She really liked them because they were of photos so nothing to read. You don't say how old the sister is but a shirt or sweatshirt of the local university is good if she is younger. If she is older, then maybe some local good wine. You might not want to carry it all the way though.
I usually brought touristy stuff you get at the local Walmart or even the stuff they have on sale at the airports. Stuff that tells them a little from your home town goes big.
Hope that helps.
Thanks for the suggestion. Actually I sent her a parcel with some of those same things already. It contained a picture book of Wisconsin and the area and NFL t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc. from the Green Bay Packers (my hometown team). She said she wondered when she opened the package, why I sent her a bunch of shirts in green with yellow writing on them until she realized that it was my city's team.
The Green Bay Packers don't exactly have a color scheme that lends itself well to a Ukraine woman's wardrobe. And never having met her father I guessed at too big of a size for him. Extra Large isnt the same one-size-fits-all regarded type thing in Ukraine.
For the mother and sister you can't go wrong with perfume. Go for a name brand like jennifer lopez. For the old man a bottle of Jim Bean or something like that. Some chocolates as well is always good.
Geez, green sports shirts. Thats so uncool Jetmba.
If you are really dedicated to this - then move to a city where the local sports team has an appropriate color scheme for your hoped-for girlfriend. If you're not willing to do THAT little thing - well then maybe you just aren't serious enough.
Girls always were asking for nicknats of the city...no so much for sports..that is a USA thing. Perfume is great for any girls and of course anytime I go to Ukraine I have 4 boxes of chocolates..See's, they love it there.
Dad's seem to be always relaxing watching TV...maybe something that has to do with that.
Good luck...I would think this is a make or break trip.
Oh, bracelets for girls, the new ones that can change into a necklace also.
My last post was actually meant to be humourous - not sarcastic. Though it doesn't come across that way. (THIS is why I never made it as a comedy writer.)
Anyway:
Beemer - I have had special requests for American chocolate. They love the stuff over there. I agree.
And I remind you - I come from Green Bay. Not a place actually known for anything except the Green Bay Packers. I don't know if dad watches TV or not. But your bracelet idea and that of ben regarding the perfume is pretty good. I will use those. Thanks.
My daughter works for a clothing store called Hollister. They have perfume for girls and cologne for guys. I brought a couple bottles of perfume( My daughter says it is BIG seller in US)and the girls loved the scent.
Of course, the Hollister is big seller of clothes for teens and 20's and some hip Mom's in their 30's. My sister
lives near Kansas City and they have this store there. Have fun!!!
If I take my son to another Packer game I will let you know!!
I'm leaving for Ukraine TOMORROW. (Already admitted above to my terrible habit of procrastination.) Green Bay doesn't have a Hollister store and the odds on me making it to one before my plane leaves tomorrow are pretty slim.
But do look me up if you happen to be in town for a Packer game. I certainly would be interested in meeting.