Finders Keepers?

July 3, 2006 6:54 AM

Lost and found: I lost my wallet in Russia. Someone found it and managed to find me and give it back. I'd like to buy them a present.

Details: Lost the wallet, drivers license, and about 600$. This person and his wife found the wallet, searched for me for three days, and returned it perfectly intact. As you can imagine, I'm both incredulous and also completely unbelievably grateful.

About the finders: early 30's, man and wife. Probably have money, as they had a nice car. I've been told that the husband is some kind of famous tennis trainer. The wife is an English teacher here in Obninsk.

What would you buy? I'd already written off the money, so I'm not opposed to an expensive gift. Any suggestions are welcome. They need not reflect Russia or Russianness.

posted by fake to grab bag (16 comments total)

It might be poetic to buy them a nice wallet.
posted by interrobang at 7:11 AM on July 3, 2006

A collection of beloved children's books in English for the wife's school's library? Or perhaps something valued at the school but expensive/annoying to procure in Russia (quality whiteboard markers, a laminating machine, software of some kind)?

A fantastic bottle opener, some lovely wine, and a huge hamper full of your hometown's finest culinary delights?
posted by mdonley at 7:19 AM on July 3, 2006

A bottle of gin.
posted by mustcatchmooseandsquirrel at 7:32 AM on July 3, 2006

When I visited Bulgaria, I took my host a really good bottle of tequila, which they found very exotic.
posted by Sara Anne at 7:40 AM on July 3, 2006

A SUPER fancy flower arrangement?
posted by michaelkuznet at 8:00 AM on July 3, 2006

In my experience of East European gift-giving, table books, picture frames and any other sort of home decoration is not really a good idea.

I'd go with a really nice bottle of wine or liquor.

SnarkyFilter: The rarest wine in Russia right now is from Moldova or Georgia. ;)
posted by vkxmai at 9:48 AM on July 3, 2006

SnarkyFilter: The rarest wine in Russia right now is from Moldova or Georgia. ;)

can you explain why this is snarky?

Thanks everyone for the great answers.
posted by fake at 11:18 AM on July 3, 2006

SnarkyFilter: The rarest wine in Russia right now is from Moldova or Georgia. ;)

can you explain why this is snarky?

Because Moldovan and Georgian wines are generally very common in Russia, but were recently banned, allegedly for health reasons, but really as part of a political/trade dispute.
posted by kickingtheground at 11:31 AM on July 3, 2006

Since they both found it, maybe something for their home? Credit at a local shop around where they live?

I think a good gift is really hard to pin down for someone who you don't know... go with what you do though - something tennis related? Any clues as far as their hobbies, interests go?
posted by ifranzen at 1:00 PM on July 3, 2006

Any clues as far as their hobbies, interests go?

Unfortunately no. But fortunately the suggestions here have been great. Thanks everyone.
posted by fake at 2:51 PM on July 3, 2006

I suggest credit at the nicest restaurant you can find. Everyone likes food and beverages, and not everyone wants to splurge for themselves.
posted by sunshinesky at 6:02 PM on July 3, 2006

Invite them to your den of western capitalism for a traditional western pig meal. Unless of course you don't live in Russia, which would make sense, re-reading over your post. So. *cricket*

I would write them a nice heartfelt letter, resisting the chance to make a IN SOVIET UNION joke (oh, okay, maybe one or two), and a gift basket filled with a bunch of small yet thoughtful and creative gifts. And a bottle of wine. And an onion.

This page helpfully suggests that giving them soap or underwear is a bad idea. Whodathunkit.
posted by oxford blue at 6:38 PM on July 3, 2006

I second the credit at a nice restaurant. Should be good for both husband and wife.
posted by londongeezer at 5:01 PM on July 4, 2006

In Soviet Russia, the wallet finds you.

I am so very, very sorry.
posted by SlyBevel at 12:51 AM on July 5, 2006 [1 favorite]

Plus good SlyBevel.
posted by oxford blue at 6:26 PM on July 5, 2006

Huge thanks to everyone for the suggestions. On the recommendation of a local, I've decided to go with a very expensive (and tasty!) bottle of cognac.

Thanks for your time and the great answers.
posted by fake at 5:20 AM on July 10, 2006