Korean Job Discussion Forums

[KAMAKAZI]

Hi
I was wondering if I could get some small cheap gift ideas for around 15 people to bring back to Korea from the U.S. or Canada ?
Mostly for fellow Korean teachers, co-workers, parents etc.
I have no idea what I could bring.

Any good ideas???

[Underwaterbob]

Food. If you're in Canada, buy some coffee crisp bars.

[tzechuk]

Yeah.. that or some miniature jars of maple syrup in the shape of maple leaves - cos maple syrup is so darn expensive here.

[KAMAKAZI]

[oldfatfarang]

Hint: Don't give the same level of presents to everyone - especially not to the Principal and VP's.

When I first arrived, I brough a small scenic photo book for the Principal - and tiny Mag Lights for the VP's.

When I go to Thailand, I always bring back something small for my 7 co-teachers - and something much better for the principal and 2 Vice- Principals.

Last time, it was 'fish' key rings (good luck for the co-teachers), and small Swiss Army knives for the VP's. The Principal got a Buddhist scented-wax flower.

This gift giving really adds up if you travel outside Korea 3-4 times a year. However, it's a great way to establish good relations with your school.

[KAMAKAZI]

[prideofidaho]

along the maple syrup thread, my folks brought over some maple sugar cookies for the staff at my school.

Do your P and VP drink whiskey? Why not some duty free Canadian Club?

[KAMAKAZI]

[acegi]

A tin of timmy coffe if they're canadian.


or dry spices that are rare or expensive in korea.

[neandergirl]

Don't know where you are in Canada, so this might not be available but ice wine chocolate were very popular with my lot. You can get milk and dark chocolate versions and buy chocolate bars or boxes so you can work with that hierarchy thing. Several of the Americans said the dark was the best chocolate they'd ever had. Maple sugar fudge (also available in boxes and bars) was also popular. I also brought back local specialty flavoured (blueberry, brambleberry etc) teas and honey that people enjoyed. I did all my souvenier shopping at Pearson airport, lol, but everyone seemed pleased enough.

On previous trips I've bought bags of maple leaf shaped candies, timmies coffee, hot chocolate and cider mixes and Canada mugs, then filled the mugs with a 3-4 serving of drink mix and wrapped it in pretty plastic wrap; glue the candies to ribbons - or just top the mug - and tie. Had neither time nor inclination for that this time tho'.

[oldfatfarang]

I'd be careful with whiskey. I thought I'd take the easy option and bring grog this time round - but my spider senses were tingling - so I didn't.

And guess what? The principal at my new school turned out to be a nun!

But I still got it wrong. I wasn't told I'd have 2 VP's, so I had to sit on the big couch feeling really embarrassed.

Hint:
- Bring more gifts than you think you'll need.

- Definitely bring something 'special' for your wrangler. They can make, or break, your time here.

[KAMAKAZI]