Way to Russia Talk Lounge

MrSpice · Lounge Wizard Joined: 14 Jul 2003 Posts: 3436

I know that one can buy anything in Russia nowadays. So what can someone coming from the USA bring to Russian as gifts/souvenirs for Russian friends? The last time I was in Russia (over 10 years ago) the situation was quite different. I don't want to bring a Gap shirt if the same shirt can be bought easily. It used to be easy to bring something from the US that one cannot find/buy in Russia.

Any ideas/experiences?

Thanks.

thomastpa2 · Posted: Sun Feb 06, 2005 7:14 am Post subject:

Russia has a lot of the same stores you find here in America (i.e. Hugo Boss) so bringing a Gap T-shirt as you said probably doesn't hold as much value as it did back in the day Smile

Although, I hope your friends would appreciate it nontheless!

In any event, if there are children for which you are buying gifts for, why not buy them an American fairy-tale book such as Cinderella or Goldy Locks and The Three Bears? Something that is unique to American children.

As for adults, the one thing I did notice when I was over there, is that their sense of fashion is improving and they are wearing far more provacative attire than I would have imagined I would have seen. Thus, how about something from a novelty shop such as Spencers or something? If all else fails, I say, 'head for the alcohol!' One can never go wrong with alcohol. Nothing says "Greetings from America" like a bottle of Everclear Twisted Evil

As much as I love the USA and being an American, I wonder where our sense of originality has gone Razz

MrSpice · Lounge Wizard Joined: 14 Jul 2003 Posts: 3436

As far as I understand, they still don't have a Gap store in St.Petersburg, is this true?

I was born in Russia and would like to tell you that there are Russian equivalents to books like Cinderella and Three Bears. Not only that, virtually every kids knows these books. So, there's no point in giving kids american books, especially if they are in English and they don't speak English.

Anyone has any thoughts on this?

thomastpa2 · Posted: Wed Feb 09, 2005 10:55 pm Post subject:

Well, if you were born in Russia then you should know the cultural differences and thus, be more then competent to pick out suitable gifts.

MrSpice · Lounge Wizard Joined: 14 Jul 2003 Posts: 3436

It does not matter that I was born there - I have not been there for many years and I am looking for an advice from someone about gifts. Anyone else?

blaked · Posted: Sun Feb 13, 2005 11:01 am Post subject:

MikeFlorida · Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2005 4:46 am Post subject: gifts are always appreciated

Last summer I thought ahead and brought a few things that were very appreciated in retrospect. The popup/folding small umbrellas we can get at Dollar Tree(for a buck) were $8-12 there. The 6 I brought as gifts were greatly appreciated.

You can GET almost anything in SPB for a PRICE. Think ahead and bring stuff your hosts can use.

The palm oil we can buy for $5 here is something like $50 in Rf and is the ONE thing that was requested.