Job Discussion Forums

[Fina1]

I would like to bring some gifts for the staff at branch school where I will be working but I am not sure what to bring.

I live in a Philadelphia, a historical U.S. city, and not sure if I should bring something that is relevant to where I came from. Would anyone like something like that?

I was also thinking about bringing cookies or something, to give to everyone at the school, but I am worried that they won't survive the plane trip.

What are some good ideas for gifts to bring? I was looking for something uniquely American but also something everyone can share.

Aside from the staff at the branch school, is there anyone else I should give gifts too? My landlord? Neighbors?

[pnksweater]

When it comes to omiyagi I think food and other consumables is best. It's easy to control the price and portion (one big one for the office to share, something pricier for your boss...) and once you eat it it's gone. So no clutter to worry about. Are there any locally produced snacks in your area? I tend to bring apple chips (being from an apple producing state), local candy, that sort of thing. Also packaging is more important than the contents in Japan, so try to bring something in a nice box. This should also help it survive the plane ride better, too.

For other gift giving occasions it's fine to pick up some fruit intended for gifts or something in country. The important part is the gesture, not so much the gift.

[Glenski]

I think this was another of the items in the (missing) FAQs.

Bring something typical from your homeland, even if it seems stereotypical to you (maple syrup flavored candy or cookies from Canada, for example). Try to make such food gifts individually wrapped items.

For staff, just bring flavored coffee.

[Lyrajean]

Agree with all the above.

Food or coffee is best.

I often get a pound of nice gourmet coffee (not starbucks!) from back home for the staff room. It travels well. I've also brought back a pound of maple drops (hard candy local to my area). Chocolate is tricky 'cause of the melting issue and Okinawa. I've brought things as wierd as gummy frogs. Things as mundane as oreos and fig newtons can be interesting.

Sometimes I get something small like a postcard of bookmark from home for my principal, vice-principal and english dept staff, but usually its just something for the staff room to share.

You're foreign so don't sweat getting the details of the omiyage custom right. Most everybody will just be pleased that you remembered them and cut you some slack.

[gwynnie86]

What about teabags? I'm from the U.K. and have seen biscuits and teabags in nice London-bus style tins (very touristy!) - would that be good?

[seklarwia]

[Thereandbackagain]

As you are from Pennsylvania, you could bring some Hershey's chocolate or something made by the Amish. You might check out some of your local tourist spots for some ideas.

[Fina1]

Yes, in Philadelphia. I've looked around at a few places and seen a lot of snacks and chocolates that come in tins. I think I may go with that.

I will also be spending a month in Connecticut before my departure and may be able to find something nice to bring from there as well.

I will make sure to wrap it well.

Thank you all for the replies.

[MissJenn610]

Hi! (this is my first post!)

I was also wondering about bringing gifts.
I know that Japanese omiyage are usually food related, and you've all mentioned that it would be preferable. But I've been living in Florida for the last six years (though, coincidentally, I'm from Philadelphia too!) ^^ and the only thing famous in Florida is oranges. I obviously can't bring them with me.

However, I only live about 30 minutes away from Disney, and am there quite often. Disney souvenirs abound here... and I thought if I brought little things like magnets or keychains or stickers with Disney themes to them, that they might go over well even though they aren't food.

Any thoughts on how this might be received by coworkers?

[Glenski]

Disney stuff is very popular in Japan. You'll already find Mickey, Pluto, and Donald Duck all over. Just bring the coffee or some herbal teas. Decaf products are also scarce here. I really wouldn't fret so much over things like keychains or stickers (an insanely widespread thing that people put on everything!) or anything else. These are people you haven't even met yet.

[MissJenn610]

Thank you!!

I will bring the coffee and teas for sure.
I appreciate the information!

I might be able to find some alligator shaped gummy snacks since there are lots of gators around here... maybe that is a novelty? I'll see if I can find anything else.

[Apsara]

Any orange-flavoured chocolates, candy or cookies would also be a good idea, if they are sold there. Have a look in souvenir shops if there are ay nearby- they may have that kind of thing to cater for the Japanese market.

Glenski is right- bringing Disney items to Japan is like bringing sand to the Sahara!

[MissJenn610]

haha I knew that Disney was extremely popular in Japan... and I'm going to have a pretty rural placement so I thought it might be popular since it's nowhere near Tokyo Disney or anything. But I wanted to double check because I thought it might possibly go the way of what you're all mentioning: unnecessary!

Orange flavored chocolate does exist (though I'm a snobby purist with chocoalte haha and don't care for the stuff myself!) so I will probably load up on that and the alligator gummies.

Thanks again!

[seklarwia]

Disney paraphanalia and Disney stores are every where in Japan. Mickey pens, stickers, notebooks... Don't bother with them. Don't try to over think the gifts; keep them simple.

[natsume]

Edible omiyage is always appreciated, but honestly, I haven't noticed a hugely demonstrable difference between the appreciation received from items brought from home or "abroad", and something I picked up on a trip to Tokyo or Kyoto. It really is the thought that counts.

As seklarwia said, don't overthink it.