Giving and Receiving Gifts

Gift giving and receiving is an important function in Russian life. As a visitor to Russia, you need to come with gifts, and you can expect to receive gifts in return. Remember that Russians have a good dose of the oriental in their culture: a gift to a Russian incurs obligation. Therefore, do not give items that are extremely cheap (they are an insult and you make the recipient lose face) or extravagant (because that creates an insurmountable obligation).

Gift Timing (when)

Give house gifts upon arrival.
Present gifts upon arrival at dinner parties to the hostess.
Birthday gifts are to be presented when the party begins.
If YOU are presented with a gift, open it immediately. Russians, however, will rarely open their gift from you right away. They will thank you effusively but never in writing, so don't expect thank-you notes.

No-No's

Thirteen or an even number of flowers. This is for funerals only. NOTE: a dozen roses is no good.
Gifts wrapped in black. Again, this is for funerals only.
Items depicting some animals, like pigs, cows, goats, or rodents.
Knives or sharp objects (they imply cutting off a relationship).
Handkerchiefs (associated with tears).
Soap (implies that the recipient doesn't bathe enough).
Underwear
Cash. This is changing a little, but it's safer not to give cash.

Suggestions

Pens, pencils, fancy paper
Belt buckles, jewelry, Indian jewelry, bolo ties
T-shirts, sweatshirts, both with logos
American Indian art, such as sand paintings, dream catchers, etc.
Southwestern trinkets, such as ceramic pots, tiles, plates, mugs
Nambé ware
Calendars (with New Mexico scenes, cars, Georgia O'Keeffe)
Tool sets
Illustrated books by U.S. authors (e.g., E. A. Poe, Mark Twain, Robert Frost, etc.)
Paperback books (mysteries, detective, sci-fi, current bestsellers)
Edible things: chocolates, instant coffee, spices, flavored teas, fudge
Scarves, shawls, needlepoint, no-iron tablecloths
Stetson hats, cowboy shirts (Western wear)
Videos of current or famous movies (e.g., "Independence Day," "The American President")
Audio tapes (try some country-western stuff)
Fashion magazines, such as Vogue, Bazaar, etc.
Perfume
Art books
World maps, atlases

If you are invited to anyone's house, do not go empty-handed. Bring either flowers or a box of chocolates, both of which you should be able to purchase in situ.