Korean Job Discussion Forums

[teachingld2004]

Hope some one can help with this one: It is now Thursday 8:45 pm. I am invited to a baby's first birthday party this Saturday. (I thought it was next Saturday.....)

Anyway, the baby is the daughter of one of the men in my conversastion class. I am going to this party, and I will feel super strange because I do not know anyone there. But that is not the problem. (it is a problem, but ...) This man is great, and I think it was nice I got invited.

So, what do I buy? I know people give gold rings, but I was told the parents sell them! I do not know about giving clothes. because I do not know what size. I also don't know if they need clothes.

Is it O.K. if I buy a stuffed animal and give money with it? Is it O.K. to buy a toy? I know what ever I give will be appreciated. I also know this man was very happy that I said I would come.

Thanks again.

[JAWINSEOUL]

Not that this will help, but we made a 1 year old a Winnie the Pooh cross-stich.

[eamo]

50,000 won in an envelope will be much appreciated. No joking.

[teachingld2004]

eamo,

Thanks. I just was not sure if giving money looks like I was "taking the lazy way out".

[tzechuk]

Gold ring.

[eamo]

[teachingld2004]

tzk,

I am not comfortble with giving a gold ring. When the man in my class was first talking about his baby's party, I asked what people usually give the baby. He said "gold rings". So I asked what the parents do with all these gold rings, and he said "sell them"! That to me was too wierd.

He asked me what kinds of presents the baby gets in America, I said "what every people want to give". He asked me what the traditional present is, and I said there isn't one. He said THAT was strange.

Turned out to be a great class because we talked about traditions.

Anyway, thank eamo. I will give money.

I also figure I will shoot a ton of pictures, and then print them out and give them to him. I know many people will have digital cameras, but I think a bunch of hard copies will be nice.

I feel really uncomfortable going to this party, but life is not comfortable always.

[steven g]

the first time i was introduced to the prospective mother-in-law was at my fiance's nephew's first birthday party, so i felt enormous pressure to get it right.
i ended up getting a cuddly toy and a very basic first Korean book as i thought it was something both useful and significant (although they wouldn't be using it for a good few months) other guests were giving the usual rings, designer baby trainers (sneakers), money etc, but most seemed pretty impressed that a bit of thought had gone into the present.

the bonus is that it won't cost you the earth either (15,000 won at the most)

just an idea .....

[teachingld2004]

Steven,

You are right. I bought a really cute cuddly animal, and a bunch of English books. My friend had been selling English books, and I bought a load of them to keep for presents.

I will give 4 of the hard page books (you know, where the pages are heavy cardboard) and a coloring book

Yes, the books will not be good for the baby now, but they will be the start of an English library.

I am not Korean, and I am not a relative. Money,a gold ring, or designer clothes just do not feel right for me.

Thanks for writing about a book.

Man I feel so strange about going to this party. I just love this student. He loves English class, and is so happy to share his lfe with me. He just wanted me to share in his baby's happiness.

A side note: I have met the most wonderful people here Yep, I have met a bunch of people I would love to flush down the toilet, but that is true everywhere you go.

Thanks again all of you people who answered me.

[gypsyfish]

Gold ring. It's traditional.

[DeLaRed]

just been invited to one of these. Any other ideas for gift? Thanks..