Hello All,
I am planning to visit backhome in near future; however, a really "Stressful" thing is thinking about buying gifts for all relatives and their children. It is not that I don't want to carry along gifts from Canada; but the issue is if I take for one then I need to take for all (26 adults and their 14 kids) and people living in Canada can appreciate that a reasonable gift costs on average $75 -$100. So I am looking to an amount of $4K; in addition to the tradition of coupling the gifts with sweets/cakes/cash for children when visiting relatives. Add the cost of travelling (and cost of preparing for visit to back home --- you know shopping spree of own children/spouse), and the figure keeps shooting

Can you please offer some thoughts that how other Desis have dealt with this issue, because I am visiting backhome first time since I cam to Canada about 5 years back. Thanks in anticipation, for any good feedback/experiences.

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A. Malik

If some one can give ideas that what type of gifts shall be purchased then it will be great!

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A. Malik

Hi PE,

To quote you from another thread, just leave it to god and things will solve themselves..

On a more serious note, if I were in your place, I would carry gifts just for kids - IMO, adults are just too old for gifts now. Moreover, we get everything available in Canada in our country, so whatever you take, isnt very new/novelty for them anymore. I also make it a point not to make it a tradition, since then you will be expected to do the same everytime you visit. Just take basic gifts like fancy stationery, art supplies etc for kids, not too expensive.

Also visit : http://www.canadiandesi.com/read.php?TID=21278

There are few more threads in CD if you search.

Have a good time and stay safe.

Hiren

Hi,

Whatever you buy here, it will be 'Made in China' and I am sure you don't want to spend a large sum buying something Canadian (does it still exist?). So, I would rather recommend you to buy the gifts from your country itself. If the tag on the t-shirts and/or shirts everywhere in the world says it's been made in China, Taiwan, Philipines, B'desh, India, it doesn't matter where from you buy your gifts. Spare a day or two in the city you're visiting, go on a shopping spree for quality gifts.

That's what I did during my visit to India last month. Trust me, you will end up buying gifts that will save you a lot of buck$ (thanks to the conversion). And the bottom line is - everyone will be immensely happy.

I might be sounding cheap (do I care?) - but that made sense to me and my family. Be a sensible shopper during the current recession, unless you're heavenly rich.

Also, to remind you that due to globalization and consumerism in third world countries people have no longer a charm of foreign goods/gifts. They are getting everything there these days.

Good luck and 'Bon Voyage'.

Going back home for the first time is a great thing. Dont let the gift issue stress you out.

My suggestion is insted of buying gifts for each person, just buy a box of chocolates ( pot of gold) per family. Don't get sucked into the situation where you are buying things for everyone just because they have not seen you for 5 years. Immediate family, parents and sisters/brothers you may want to get a few personal things. If you do face some folks who make comments ...tell them...dost you are also seeing me after 5 years where is my gift!

At the most, tell them your luggage was over weight at the canadian airport so you had to leave behind their goodies...but you cant go empty handed so you bought their favorite mithai from the local shop/bought flowers for them. good luck

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smile ...

Quote:

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Originally posted by michelle288

Going back home for the first time is a great thing. Dont let the gift issue stress you out.

My suggestion is insted of buying gifts for each person, just buy a box of chocolates ( pot of gold) per family. Don't get sucked into the situation where you are buying things for everyone just because they have not seen you for 5 years. Immediate family, parents and sisters/brothers you may want to get a few personal things. If you do face some folks who make comments ...tell them...dost you are also seeing me after 5 years where is my gift!

At the most, tell them your luggage was over weight at the canadian airport so you had to leave behind their goodies...but you cant go empty handed so you bought their favorite mithai from the local shop/bought flowers for them. good luck

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~ Morning rain