Korean Job Discussion Forums

[xox]

was invited to a baby's one year old birthday party by my co-teacher. it is her friends baby's birthday, and I have never met them so I feel weird about going but my co-teacher insists.
I asked what should I bring as a present and she tells me to bring nothing but myself.
but i feel weird going without a present, so what should I bring?!

[ttompatz]

[Ya-ta Boy]

I agree. As you've never met the people, don't feel obligated to bring a gift. If you feel too guilty, don't spend more than W5,000.

[seoulsucker]

Bring a fake gun, a syringe, and a condom.

Place said items on the table they'll put in front of the one-year old baby. If you can do this without witnesses, I'll give you triple cool points.

[Yesanman]

Where is the party?
Usually they are at hotels or a buffet restaurant, as you will be getting fed you should/ are expected to bring something.
If you do not bring something it will be very odd and people will think you're cheap.
As for the gold ring, it is traditional but with the skyrocketing price of gold you won't be expected to bring one.
I would stop by a baby clothing store and pick up something around W20-30,000.
Definitely bring something though.

[Yesanman]

Just asked the missus and she was absolutely appalled at the suggestions to bring nothing. The standard at Korean functions (wedding, funeral, 100 days, 1st birthday) is W30,000 for someone you don't know well.

[casey's moon]

I disagree. Don't bring anything. The person who is bringing you should be giving a big enough cash gift (or gift of a gold ring) to cover your meal and the little take home gift at the end. You are basically his/her date.

[kermo]

I hadn't heard about the gold ring when my co-teacher invited me to her daughter's party, so I bought some little hair clips for baby. The baby didn't tolerate them too well at first, but two years later, that gift is worn often and fondly remembered.

If you decide not to pitch in for the big gift (and I don't blame you if you don't) bring a little something anyway, just to be thoughtful.

[xox]

so do you suggest give cash in an envelope of 30,000 won or just get a gift? everyone so mixed about it.

[casey's moon]

Either way, they're going to feel awkward about receiving it from you. I suggest you talk to the friend who is bringing you and suggest that you add some cash to what she's already planning on giving, if going with nothing is too uncomfortable for you. I definitely wouldn't bring an actual gift. Only close friends seem to give actual gifts for weddings or first year birthday parties. Anyway, you're probably giving this way too much thought! It won't be a big deal at all. Enjoy the food! Don't worry about dressing up too much either -- you can get away with anything from a suit or nice dress to jeans at these things. I've been to 6 of them during the last year.

[billybrobby]

I say bring the gift of side-splitting comedy. You can use the old Norm MacDonald joke, "How old is he? One? Man, he doesn't look a day over zero!"

[I-am-me]

Just take your appetite!! Your co-worker will be expected to take a gift. You dont have to give one since you really dont know them. Eat as much as you can so not to offend.

[Tiberious aka Sparkles]

Be careful, there has been a recent spate of attacks against foreigners at babies' birthday parties. Guard yourself with a pacifier and teddy bear, and good luck. You'll need it.

_*_

[sineface]

Dunno if this is too late to help, but I went to my director's son's first birthday bash on Saturday (also his two aunt's birthdays, and mine ) and I brought a gift. I thought it would have seemed extremely rude to be invited to the special day and bring nothing, but I guess it's up to you, if you don't know the kid too much. I just swung by the supermarket and picked up some musical rabbit and a teddy bear. You don't have to spend much at all, but it's a pretty special day (and you'll no doubt partake of the vast quantities of food and soju offered to you, yes?) and the gift in that situation, in my opinion, is more about thanking the parents for inviting you and sharing the experience. Whatever you do, go and enjoy it, I didn't want to spend my birthday being attacked by the little monsters but it turned out to be pretty spesh. Good luck

[Tiberious aka Sparkles]