Small Gifts for Japanese Clients

Parent Cafe
1

<p>Hi, I am going to Japan for the final half of a project I am working on, and will be meeting with Japanese clients (all of whom are very proficient in English, and most of whom will have spent some time in the US). As part of our workshops, we give out little gifts / prizes. Here in the US, that might include things like Starbucks cards, iTunes cards, small things like Rubik’s cubes or Mad Libs, little notepads, things of that nature - think between $5 - 10 or so. </p>

<p>And yes, I know I can go get Starbucks cards in Japan … But is there anything that would be particularly relevant that they might enjoy? With other clients in other countries, there are sometimes specific American small toys, gum, candy, etc. that they like. Any suggestions for Japan? Thanks in advance.</p>

2

<p>I have a Japanese client who just loves maple candy and associates it with the US.
I give it to him every year. this sort of thing: [Pure</a> Maple Candy: Buy Pure Maple Candy Online, Read Reviews at igourmet.com](<a href=“http://www.igourmet.com/shoppe/Pure-Maple-Candy.asp?src=froogle&gclid=CJuEs7DYwrMCFY6DQgodZQ0A_g]Pure”>http://www.igourmet.com/shoppe/Pure-Maple-Candy.asp?src=froogle&gclid=CJuEs7DYwrMCFY6DQgodZQ0A_g)</p>

<p>I am always careful about having it wrapped in the traditional furoshiki fashion. He gets a real charge out of that.</p>

3

<p>Second the maple candy idea. I was given pins from the Hiroshima museum. Is there something Chicago-y that would work? How about this tote from the Chicago architecture store? [Shop</a> - Chicago Architecture Foundation](<a href=“http://www.architecture.org/shop]Shop”>CAC Design Store) $9.95!</p>

4

<p>What about the Chicago flag (or Chicago Bulls) on playing cards? What about suiseki stones from Lake Michigan beach?</p>

5

<p>^suiseki stones</p>

<p>And that’s why I love cc! Having googled this unfamiliar term, I am now convinced that this would be a terrific gift. To me, it speaks to traditional Japanese culture and shows your respect by having you take the time to search out the stones (that’s what happens, right? It’s not like there’s a company who pays someone minimum wage to go to the beach and scout them out?). Plus you win points at your company for saving money! Maybe you could present them in some sort of appropriate wrapping or bag?</p>

6

<p>I would bring something that represents the US or your town in some way. You will probably receive similar from them.</p>

7

<p>Wow, those are fabulous ideas. Thanks so much.</p>

8

<p>Just want to add that wrapping/presentation is as important as the gift itself.</p>

9

<p>Many Japanese are golf crazy. How about some new golf balls bearing your company’s logo? You can get them custom-made.</p>

10

<p>Pizza girl,
You can go to Morikami museum, gift store. Many of the items are just $10.00. I shop there often and am always pleased. Obviously, it’s a Japanese store. If you want something American, would baseball hats work?</p>

11

<p>When my daughter went to Japan a few years ago, she took several of the one-handed salad tongs. Her family there loved them. You can also find ones that are made in America. They are light and they fold flat. Here are ones made in Kentucky.</p>

<p><a href=“http://www.kentuckymadeandmore.com/wood-works.html[/url]”>http://www.kentuckymadeandmore.com/wood-works.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

12

<p>These suiseki stones we are talking about, the asthetic is like bonsai trees. A perfect miniature something, like a mountain range, a landscape, a waterfall, a plant or an animal or figure. These are natural, not carved. Maybe polished some. Worn down by water is a good thing. Mostly it is their shape and some have mineral inclusions that depict flowers or leaves. I saw one with a perfect baby in it.</p>

13

<p>So what did you end up with?</p>