Business Travel Etiquette: GIFTS / India
August 16, 2022 5:44 PM Subscribe
I will be traveling to India soon for work. My boss (who works in India) recently came out to the US and brought a bunch of gifts for everyone. I’d like to bring gifts for everyone I will see and work with while there, which will be about 7-8 people. Almost all are above me in job level except 2 who are one equal and one below. What should I bring?
When my boss came, I gave her some local maple syrup. I’m not sure what to bring and while I want to bring something good, I also don’t want to spend lots of money on this. A note here, this is my first international business travel and only my second business travel ever. I live in New England if that helps.
When my boss came, I gave her some local maple syrup. I’m not sure what to bring and while I want to bring something good, I also don’t want to spend lots of money on this. A note here, this is my first international business travel and only my second business travel ever. I live in New England if that helps.
Response by poster: Boss brought scarves and bracelets from her part of India.
posted by degoao at 5:57 PM on August 16, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by degoao at 5:57 PM on August 16, 2022 [1 favorite]
I think maple syrup and maple candy still sounds like a good option.
Or, is there an artisanal candy shop near you? Chocolate, saltwater taffy, caramels, etc?
posted by nouvelle-personne at 5:59 PM on August 16, 2022 [1 favorite]
Or, is there an artisanal candy shop near you? Chocolate, saltwater taffy, caramels, etc?
posted by nouvelle-personne at 5:59 PM on August 16, 2022 [1 favorite]
I love the idea of Maple stuff but think maple candies might be nice since it can be eaten as is, instead of on something. I've heard imported chocolates are a hit in India. They have some really interesting ones at Whole foods that are American.
Or the Burdicks little mice might be a hit.
posted by beccaj at 6:10 PM on August 16, 2022
Or the Burdicks little mice might be a hit.
posted by beccaj at 6:10 PM on August 16, 2022
Maple candy is a great idea, it's a flavor you can't get there and will be easier to transport than syrup. American style pancakes aren't a thing in India, and maple syrup on dosa is something my ketchup-on-steak dad might try just to rile up my mom.
posted by basalganglia at 6:48 PM on August 16, 2022 [6 favorites]
posted by basalganglia at 6:48 PM on August 16, 2022 [6 favorites]
Candy is good, but keep in mind that scarves and bangles are dirt-cheap in India unless they are of a particularly high grade, so take care that you don’t spend massively more than your boss.
…because there are several ways that could be awkward.
If you have Indian diaspora stores near you with similar products, you may be able to ask them for a ballpark estimate of the in-India cost of the items your boss gave out (because that’s the price the store is paying in India, and then importing). You may need to buy a couple things first because otherwise why would they be honest, but you never know. Of course, the internet is also an option, but many of those prices will be inflated already (export vs in country pricing). Telling the store personnel the full story will help (so they don’t think you’re trying to skim a few percent off their prices).
The Burdick mice, for example, are a good bet but I’d almost guarantee they cost ten to fifty times what your boss paid if you do a box per person. If everyone there is in the same office you could get a larger box for them to share — you’re still paying more, but dividing the box makes it less obvious.
Also, if you pick chocolate or other meltables carry it on board, not in checked luggage. Checked luggage can spend a couple hours on the tarmac in Singapore or Dubai, with the expected results.
posted by aramaic at 6:48 PM on August 16, 2022
…because there are several ways that could be awkward.
If you have Indian diaspora stores near you with similar products, you may be able to ask them for a ballpark estimate of the in-India cost of the items your boss gave out (because that’s the price the store is paying in India, and then importing). You may need to buy a couple things first because otherwise why would they be honest, but you never know. Of course, the internet is also an option, but many of those prices will be inflated already (export vs in country pricing). Telling the store personnel the full story will help (so they don’t think you’re trying to skim a few percent off their prices).
The Burdick mice, for example, are a good bet but I’d almost guarantee they cost ten to fifty times what your boss paid if you do a box per person. If everyone there is in the same office you could get a larger box for them to share — you’re still paying more, but dividing the box makes it less obvious.
Also, if you pick chocolate or other meltables carry it on board, not in checked luggage. Checked luggage can spend a couple hours on the tarmac in Singapore or Dubai, with the expected results.
posted by aramaic at 6:48 PM on August 16, 2022
I wouldn’t worry so much about matching the exact dollar value of what your boss got you because you also need to take purchasing power parity into account. I actually think Burdock little mice are about the right level of reciprocity, because while scarves and bangles are super cheap in India, so are little chocolates, so I don’t think it would be perceived as a super extravagant gift.
posted by peacheater at 7:26 PM on August 16, 2022 [6 favorites]
posted by peacheater at 7:26 PM on August 16, 2022 [6 favorites]
Reese's cups, Snickers, M&Ms are very American candy. Peanut butter is an American thing, as well as the maple sugar candy, which is a great idea. Bundling with mainstream favorites is affordable and fun. Maybe local coffee and mugs from your town. Hot sauces would be fun. If your town has a famous product, bring some and share at a meeting. In my case, I'd bring stuff from LL Bean, which is near me, or ball caps from the local team.
Avoid milk chocolate and any food with dairy or animal products in it, just to be safe.
posted by theora55 at 7:55 PM on August 16, 2022 [2 favorites]
Avoid milk chocolate and any food with dairy or animal products in it, just to be safe.
posted by theora55 at 7:55 PM on August 16, 2022 [2 favorites]
If you go with food items:
- no alcohol unless you’ve had drinks with them before (India is generally pretty dry); a small bottle of good blended whiskey would be a big hit for some and a big no-no for many
- no meat, stay vegetarian, avoid gummy candies
- tasty things from Trader Joe’s would be a great option
- maple candy is a winner
- women will probably appreciate nice little boutique soap bars, men might find that too feminine
- giving out small gifts intended more for people’s kids is always a nice approach. Mini stuffed animals (especially of N’American animals) would be awesome!
posted by sixswitch at 9:15 PM on August 16, 2022 [3 favorites]
- no alcohol unless you’ve had drinks with them before (India is generally pretty dry); a small bottle of good blended whiskey would be a big hit for some and a big no-no for many
- no meat, stay vegetarian, avoid gummy candies
- tasty things from Trader Joe’s would be a great option
- maple candy is a winner
- women will probably appreciate nice little boutique soap bars, men might find that too feminine
- giving out small gifts intended more for people’s kids is always a nice approach. Mini stuffed animals (especially of N’American animals) would be awesome!
posted by sixswitch at 9:15 PM on August 16, 2022 [3 favorites]
- I love the idea of different hot sauces!
posted by sixswitch at 9:16 PM on August 16, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by sixswitch at 9:16 PM on August 16, 2022 [1 favorite]
If you intend to get american candy or chocolates find out if the brands you want are at the duty free then just buy it at the airport, it'll save you some money. My personal advice is you have to think in two levels: the gift for the office (IE everyone), so that'd be something like a party box of chocs that can be set at the pantry, and specific ones for ppl of your level and above who you've been in direct correspondence frequently (ie not the CC only gang). Those don't need to be food imo.
You can't quite beat South Asians and Southeast Asians for the variety of tiny gifts that they can come up with (I've gotten Bengali string of pearls as well as Filipino body perfume) but these type of gifts you can give a bit more privately (esp as the 'office gift' should leave you off the hook in terms of social obligations). ETA: big fan of Halloween/party packs for candies btw because each serving isn't too large.
posted by cendawanita at 10:08 PM on August 16, 2022 [3 favorites]
You can't quite beat South Asians and Southeast Asians for the variety of tiny gifts that they can come up with (I've gotten Bengali string of pearls as well as Filipino body perfume) but these type of gifts you can give a bit more privately (esp as the 'office gift' should leave you off the hook in terms of social obligations). ETA: big fan of Halloween/party packs for candies btw because each serving isn't too large.
posted by cendawanita at 10:08 PM on August 16, 2022 [3 favorites]
Also, if they're well aware you're american the fact you're showing up with a box of biscuits or crackers for everyone tend to be a welcome surprise.
posted by cendawanita at 10:10 PM on August 16, 2022
posted by cendawanita at 10:10 PM on August 16, 2022
The classic here would indeed be chocolates, as far as I know.
Just to be a smartass because someone mentioned above: don't worry about milk chocolate-- totally fine for even the most religiously conservative eaters and much more likely to go over well than dark chocolate. The big watchword would be EGGLESS.
I agree that you want two tiers here: a fun-sized "for everybody" bag of basically Halloween candy from the duty free (this reads as luxe and not cheap in my Indian workplace) and then individual gifts for the people you actually do "know." Tailored gifts would be great for them (hand cream, bougie little soaps, booze if they drink, a little melamine tray, fancy jam or honey). Purchasing power parity means that these can def be from Home Goods without you looking bad, my guess is that your boss spent about 20 USD on the whole kit.
If you have a really good working relationship, you could also ask your coworkers directly if there is anything offbeat you might bring. In my (mostly returned NRI) circle is a whole exchange network of people tucking U.S. brand shampoo or toys or ziploc bags into the suitcase of whoever's coming next. I am always begging for parmesan cheese and pretzels.
Have a great trip!
posted by athirstforsalt at 10:57 PM on August 16, 2022 [3 favorites]
Just to be a smartass because someone mentioned above: don't worry about milk chocolate-- totally fine for even the most religiously conservative eaters and much more likely to go over well than dark chocolate. The big watchword would be EGGLESS.
I agree that you want two tiers here: a fun-sized "for everybody" bag of basically Halloween candy from the duty free (this reads as luxe and not cheap in my Indian workplace) and then individual gifts for the people you actually do "know." Tailored gifts would be great for them (hand cream, bougie little soaps, booze if they drink, a little melamine tray, fancy jam or honey). Purchasing power parity means that these can def be from Home Goods without you looking bad, my guess is that your boss spent about 20 USD on the whole kit.
If you have a really good working relationship, you could also ask your coworkers directly if there is anything offbeat you might bring. In my (mostly returned NRI) circle is a whole exchange network of people tucking U.S. brand shampoo or toys or ziploc bags into the suitcase of whoever's coming next. I am always begging for parmesan cheese and pretzels.
Have a great trip!
posted by athirstforsalt at 10:57 PM on August 16, 2022 [3 favorites]
Chocolates or maple sugar candy are easy options. other gifts i have done in similar situations: mugs, magnets, tote bags, pens, scarves, macadamia nuts, nice notebooks, soaps/lotions. The souvenir stuff (magnets, mugs, etc) was from my place of residence but it did take little searching to find items made locally rather than imported.
posted by emd3737 at 2:36 AM on August 17, 2022
posted by emd3737 at 2:36 AM on August 17, 2022
in my experience, sweet is really good but no bitter (so no go with dark chocolate or the licorice type we have here in DK)
posted by alchemist at 3:37 AM on August 17, 2022
posted by alchemist at 3:37 AM on August 17, 2022
Avoid milk chocolate and any food with dairy or animal products in it, just to be safe.
I think one poster mentioned this above but you really do not need to worry about milk chocolate - Indians do eat dairy, rather a lot of it, as a rule. And yes, milk chocolate will tend to be preferred over dark chocolate.
If you do go the chocolate route, I would go with something a bit special from the area you're in rather than generic American candy bars - over the last decade or so those have really become super available in India, so while they may have worked well in the past, I don't think they would be seen as very special nowadays.
posted by peacheater at 5:42 AM on August 17, 2022 [4 favorites]
I think one poster mentioned this above but you really do not need to worry about milk chocolate - Indians do eat dairy, rather a lot of it, as a rule. And yes, milk chocolate will tend to be preferred over dark chocolate.
If you do go the chocolate route, I would go with something a bit special from the area you're in rather than generic American candy bars - over the last decade or so those have really become super available in India, so while they may have worked well in the past, I don't think they would be seen as very special nowadays.
posted by peacheater at 5:42 AM on August 17, 2022 [4 favorites]
Thirding the egg sensitivity. Many/most people who keep vegetarian in india do not eat eggs. This tends to surprise folks for whom vegetarianism is largely ovo-lacto.
As others have said mass market products from the US have become increasingly common over the last decade, so something more special or local to you would probably be welcome. Are NECCO waifers and Boston baked beans (the candy) still a thing?
To be frank, the compulsory gifting culture I found very tiresome in my time in india. Doing it bc it’s expected sucks the fun out of it for me, and I received and was expected to give many gifts that didn’t really take my/others desires into account just bc that’s how things work. My mother in laws cards group was the worst at this. These folks see each other sometimes several times a week and it really felt like they could have saved themselves time and effort by either agreeing to just stop altogether or putting cash gifts in a set of envelopes and just compulsively circulating them at every gathering. I will say it DID make me appreciate it all the more when someone gave me something particularly thoughtful.
Consumables are great as long as you know your audience or avoid potentially controversial ingredients. Keep it small as it’s really a token thing. And light bc it has to travel really far. I’d say don’t over think it.
Enjoy the visit, it’s sure to be a trip!
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 7:29 AM on August 17, 2022
As others have said mass market products from the US have become increasingly common over the last decade, so something more special or local to you would probably be welcome. Are NECCO waifers and Boston baked beans (the candy) still a thing?
To be frank, the compulsory gifting culture I found very tiresome in my time in india. Doing it bc it’s expected sucks the fun out of it for me, and I received and was expected to give many gifts that didn’t really take my/others desires into account just bc that’s how things work. My mother in laws cards group was the worst at this. These folks see each other sometimes several times a week and it really felt like they could have saved themselves time and effort by either agreeing to just stop altogether or putting cash gifts in a set of envelopes and just compulsively circulating them at every gathering. I will say it DID make me appreciate it all the more when someone gave me something particularly thoughtful.
Consumables are great as long as you know your audience or avoid potentially controversial ingredients. Keep it small as it’s really a token thing. And light bc it has to travel really far. I’d say don’t over think it.
Enjoy the visit, it’s sure to be a trip!
posted by Exceptional_Hubris at 7:29 AM on August 17, 2022
Maple sugar candy is regional and should travel well, and you can get it in small gift boxes.
posted by The corpse in the library at 7:55 AM on August 17, 2022
posted by The corpse in the library at 7:55 AM on August 17, 2022
Have travelled to India for work a few times. Always bring sweets. American candy especially the maple kind where there’s a story around where it’s from is great.
posted by artificialard at 8:35 AM on August 19, 2022
posted by artificialard at 8:35 AM on August 19, 2022
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Juniper Toast at 5:54 PM on August 16, 2022