Coals to Newcastle, Tea to China?

June 22, 2023 2:15 AM

I've been working in our Hangzhou office for two months. In a week I'm heading back to North America. I should buy my Hangzhou colleagues gifts, right? But what? What's the etiquette? There are stores that sell fancy liquor and tea to give as presents, but I don't think my 20something colleagues drink liquor at all or drink that much tea. (Coffee?)
posted by musofire to Society & Culture (8 answers total)

Local food/snack specials that can't be found in China are good, like special chocolates and candies (but local).

In general, things that are uniquely north american/Local are good- specialty snacks and crafts, photos or art.

The liquor is not a bad idea either. Although they may not drink it, someone in their family or a friend would, and gift-giving is really important in China, so I think they'd like having something unique to share.
posted by bearette at 4:27 AM on June 22, 2023

I probably wouldn't get coffee unless you know they are coffee aficionados and have coffee machines (which aren't too common in China). As far as tea, if the tea is uniquely North American that could be good...but as you know, China is famous for tea (especially Hangzhou!) so it should be both unique and really high-quality if you bring it. Don't bring them green tea from north America, lol
posted by bearette at 4:30 AM on June 22, 2023

(I think OP is asking about what gift to buy in Hangzhou for their coworkers before OP returns permanently to the US.)
posted by estlin at 4:48 AM on June 22, 2023 [6 favorites]

Rather than gifts, can you host a dinner at a restaurant?
posted by TWinbrook8 at 4:51 AM on June 22, 2023 [4 favorites]

Mod note: Comment removed. Please remember that the OP is in Hangzhou, Chinam so suggestions about France don't fit the question. No harm, no foul though!
posted by Brandon Blatcher (staff) at 6:45 AM on June 22, 2023

Best answer: Oops!

I think treating then to dinner is a good idea then. Or maybe a fun activity like karaoke if you/they are up for it.
posted by bearette at 9:19 AM on June 22, 2023

You are asking about gifts to buy in China for your Chinese colleagues, right?
posted by music for skeletons at 9:44 AM on June 22, 2023

Response by poster: That's right. I'm in Hangzhou until the 30th!
posted by musofire at 3:54 PM on June 22, 2023