Comments on: Finders Keepers?

Question: Finders Keepers?

fake — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 06:54:34 -0800

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.

By: interrobang

interrobang — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 07:11:28 -0800

It might be poetic to buy them a nice wallet.

By: mdonley

mdonley — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 07:19:12 -0800

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?

By: mustcatchmooseandsquirrel

mustcatchmooseandsquirrel — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 07:32:21 -0800

A bottle of gin.

By: Sara Anne

Sara Anne — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 07:40:36 -0800

When I visited Bulgaria, I took my host a really good bottle of tequila, which they found very exotic.

By: michaelkuznet

michaelkuznet — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 08:00:50 -0800

A SUPER fancy flower arrangement?

By: vkxmai

vkxmai — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 09:48:09 -0800

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. ;)

By: fake

fake — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 11:18:15 -0800

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.

By: kickingtheground

kickingtheground — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 11:31:20 -0800

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.

By: ifranzen

ifranzen — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 13:00:16 -0800

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?

By: fake

fake — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 14:51:36 -0800

Any clues as far as their hobbies, interests go?

Unfortunately no. But fortunately the suggestions here have been great. Thanks everyone.

By: sunshinesky

sunshinesky — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 18:02:28 -0800

I suggest credit at the nicest restaurant you can find. Everyone likes food and beverages, and not everyone wants to splurge for themselves.

By: oxford blue

oxford blue — Mon, 03 Jul 2006 18:38:04 -0800

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.

By: londongeezer

londongeezer — Tue, 04 Jul 2006 17:01:52 -0800

I second the credit at a nice restaurant. Should be good for both husband and wife.

By: SlyBevel

SlyBevel — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 00:51:41 -0800

In Soviet Russia, the wallet finds you.

I am so very, very sorry.

By: oxford blue

oxford blue — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 18:26:55 -0800

Plus good SlyBevel.

By: fake

fake — Mon, 10 Jul 2006 05:20:08 -0800

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.