Present for Indian wedding anniversary?

February 20, 2008 9:08 PM

I'm invited to an Indian friend's 5 year wedding anniversary party (both he and his wife are Indian). What would be a suitable, perhaps traditional, yet inexpensive present to bring?

This is a work colleague's anniversary, himself and his wife are very westernised (or at least he is to use his words). Is it traditional to bring a gift to such an event (either American or Indian)? Is there something traditionally Indian, that I could get in Boston, that would be a good yet inexpensive present, that they might be happy & surprised to receive from a Irish lad living in Boston?

Or should I bring a present at all?

posted by zaphod to human relations (9 comments total)

You almost certainly need to be more specific about "Indian", i.e. their religion, their families' place of origin etc.
posted by AmbroseChapel at 9:18 PM on February 20, 2008

Yikes, I was worried someone would ask me that! I know India is a big, big place, with many different peoples and ethnicities. And of course I didn't know (or remember) the answer, but luckily for me, he has it on one of those fancy Web 2.0 social networking sites!

He's from Mumbai (formerly Bombay). :)
posted by zaphod at 9:32 PM on February 20, 2008

5th is the wood anniversary.
posted by brujita at 10:20 PM on February 20, 2008

Yeah, I'm with brujita: 5 years? I lean towards thinking that's not a culturally significant event that the Vedas would offer any guidance on. I'd say just go with what feels right and don't worry about any cultural implications. Get them a bottle of Glenfiddich or something. (unless they're muslim)
posted by BinGregory at 10:44 PM on February 20, 2008

Yeah, there isn't anything traditional as such that you'd bring to such a party. Anything goes really, as long as you know the couple would appreciate it. Jewelry and clothing seem to be the common gifts for wedding-esque events.
posted by divabat at 11:46 PM on February 20, 2008

Well, sweets seem to be the traditional gift on such sorts of occasions, and you being an Irish lad and all, I'm sure they'll be pleasantly surprised to get something like that from their native country.

Kaju-barfi would be a great choice. I don't know how costly it will be, but it shouldn't be outside your budget, and you can go with the 1 kilo box, or the 1/2 kilo box.

The only problem is, I can't for the life of me, find a sweet shop ANYWHERE in the freakin' Boston area. I don't know; someone with better Googling skillz will have to dig it up for you.

Or you could try getting an account on Chowhound, and asking your question there. I'm sure they'll be able to help you out.

Best of luck, and enjoy the party!
posted by hadjiboy at 8:05 AM on February 21, 2008

If you want to get Indian sweets, such as the Kaju-barfi mentioned by hadjiboy , try one f the Indian stores in the area. Shalimar in Central Sq. or Patel Brothers on Moody St. in Waltham carry sweets year round. Or try this list for a store near you.

I have to say though, I'm of Indian origin, and I'd be bemused if a non-Indian brought Indian foods/goods for something like this (although, obviously, touched by the thought). Maybe something from your own culture would be appreciated? Or even just some nice wine (if they're wine drinkers) or Jamesons (as you're Irish) ...
posted by darsh at 9:30 AM on February 21, 2008

Knives, an Indian friend gave me knives for my wedding and said it was a traditional Indian gift.
posted by tonci at 10:45 AM on February 21, 2008

Sound advise, and thanks all. I'll see if I can get a nice bottle of Irish Whiskey! :)

Good to know that it might be a bit corney if I showed up with a trad Indian gift, but maybe I'll try and get some of the gold-leaf desert stuff anyway. ;)

I know exactly where Shalimar is, so I'll pop in there on Sat.
posted by zaphod at 9:00 PM on February 21, 2008