What is an appropriate gift for my fiancee's parents?
Marhaba! My Qatari fiancee and I met in the US. He moved back to Qatar a year ago, and I will be going to visit him in October. I will be meeting his family for the first time and staying with him in his parents' home. I'm so grateful that they have allowed me to stay with them while I'm in Doha, and I want to bring gifts to show my appreciation, but I don't know what is customary/appropriate to give them! My boyfriend is no help - he insists that a gift is not needed, but I want to bring something anyway. I'd like to get separate gifts for his mother and father. Any suggestions? Also, he has 2 older sisters who don't live in his parents' house. Should I bring something for them? Anything for his grandmother? Any other suggestions regarding visiting Qatar would be great too! Shukran!
Ohh,
Presenting a gift need advice from others who doesn't have any idea about your depth of relationship? I believe that gifts are closely related to the affection that you have with them, so others advice cannot be applied in this concern.
This is only my openion, don't feel bad. Best wishes.
Presenting gifts needs advice from the others who don't have any idea about the depth of your relation ???
This was hijacked from another thread have a real hard read
http://www.jannah.org/sisters/marr.html
Well the best of luck for you.. you will need it,, I and other reader will be interested in a comeback article from you when it is over, don’t be surprised if the guy you know in the US act differently here. Just be prepared to handle the situation. I still don’t believe that his parents allow you to stay with them and him….cant wait to hear back on this one
Thanks everyone for your ideas! All are really helpful!
Jack - Yes, he is a Qatari national. I am thoroughly aware that it is a Muslim country and it will be my first time visiting. I'm excited (and a little nervous) to visit! I'm not an expert on Islam, but I know enough to know that allowing me to stay with them (and my fiancee) isn't exactly the norm. All the more reason for me to be thankful that they have allowed me to do so! I expect things to be different, but so what? I am only nervous because I don't want to accidentally offend anyone or embarrass my boyfriend and his family or myself. While he was studying in the US he learned about how Americans live; why wouldn't I want to do the same? He's proud of where he's from and I can't wait for him to share it with me.
Is he a qatari nation// strange that they would let you stay in his house with them.... you do know this is a mislim country dont you.. be prepared for a shock if its the first time you caome here...
Just read your post. One of those coffee table books about the California coast would be lovely!
Welcome, habibty! Yes, gifts are always in order and for everyone (sorry for the extra pressure on you.) Yes, I'd concur with perfume for his mother and perhaps sisters, a book about your region for his father and a scarf for his grandmother. Or some cute handbags or earrings or bracelets for the ladies and maybe cufflinks for dad. I think regional foods should be OK as long as you check ingredients - no pork, alcohol or gelatin. Or something from Pier One along the lines of scented oil in a nice container with those aroma sticks. Or really nice perfumed candles. Small designer wallets, mobile phone holders or little purses would be nice. Unfortunately there's not much you can't get in Doha.
Charline, thanks for the suggestions! I initially thought of giving cufflinks to his father... seems like a good idea. Perfume is a great idea, but isn't it kind of a personal preference? I mean, there are TONS of perfumes I would never wear because I don't personally like them, but it doesn't mean they're perfect for someone else. Maybe I'm just really picky when it comes to perfume? Would a brooch be appropriate for his mother? Regarding your suggestions of art/crafts or books, I had actually put A LOT of thought into that over the past few weeks. Trouble is, I live in Los Angeles, CA. I feel like the US just doesn't have its own particular identity because it's a mixture of people from everywhere. Nothing is truly "American" in America (besides American football :) ) It won't hurt to hit up the local bookstore though. Sorry to be a bother... I'm probably over-thinking about it! I just want my visit to go well. :)
Perfumes are always an appreciate gift here in Qatar, select from well-known brands and preferably new edition/perfume.
But here the occasion is a little special, so I would recommend you to bring also something less ordinary: nice silk scarfs, silver cuff-link, and try to see if you can bring anything special from the place you are coming from (any art craft? book with pictures of the region you are living? ....)
Avoid sweets if you are not sure that the ingredients are suitable for Muslims.