Great idea @doschicos. i like the idea of him giving her smaller presents. I am going to cut back, based on pretty unanimous suggestions here.
No offense, but this question is in itself rather insensitive. You’re suggesting that her religion (which you absolutely should not be equating with her ethnicity or her race, which are also separate) has some impact on her preferences and her worth as a human being? Just ask what she’d like to eat! She is fully capable of responding–I’m sure. Learn her interests and buy her a gift! Ask your son if you have no idea what she’s interested in. So long as he is interested in her as a person (and not a fetish), he’ll be able to suggest something tactful and appropriate.
If she’s interested in reading, buy her books.
If she’s interested in makeup, buy her makeup.
If she’s interested in writing, a stationary set or books on the writer’s craft is a lovely idea.
This doesn’t have to be difficult.
Whoa. Why are you suggesting the OP thinks her religion had “impact on her worth as a human being”? Where on earth did that come from? Did you hurt yourself with that leap?
I can’t tell if Smargent even read the posts on this thread, but I’m thinking there is really no need to defend myself. Thanks to all who have helped with suggestions and information.
Definitely with both of you responding to that post #81.
I certainly would have called you out if I thought you were being insensitive et al. In fact, it was a very thoughtful, sensitive question. Different cultures react to other cultures differently. Fortunately Hindus tend to accept other beliefs and practices easily. But- how would a typical European American know this? I didn’t before I married my H and met his Indian friends and relatives. It took some years of experiences. I also assume that a son who chooses to expose his family and girlfriend to each other knows they can get along and neither is terribly bigoted.
Remember to serve the foods your family likes and wants-especially those that have been family holiday traditions. Having alternates available is all any host is expected to do. Decades ago when we married the hotel catering had a choice of two meats- did chicken and the much appreciated roast beef for my relatives on the buffet. So many more choices currently available in that city that weren’t then. Still remember vegetarians being served a bunch of vegetables with pasta- never any thought to beans of some kind (felt like saying vegetarian isn’t vegetable-arian sometimes, sigh). Times have changed. I also learned to be sure I could have plenty of yogurt to counteract the spices- especially when at a South Indian home.
OP here. Figured I’d report back and let everyone know the girlfriend’s visit went very well. She just left this morning. We all really like her and were sad when she left. As my son said, “she’s the proverbial girl you bring home to mom” (or something like that). Food was no problem. She was fine eating anything except beef, and she was fine if others ate beef. She liked her gifts, and she and my son shopped for presents for the family. We were a little worried about having a visitor for 2 1/2 weeks, but she was no problem.