Korean Job Discussion Forums

[curiousaboutkorea]

Hi all,

I'm visiting home in the US after a year in Korea. I'll be heading back to the same school (renewed my contract) when I get back.

I figure I should be getting some serious gifts for people at my school. I want to get something for 2 of the teachers who help me regularly quite a bit (translation/communicating with my boss, scheduling, and other issues). They've been good to me, so I'd like to get them nice gifts. They're both married women in their late twenties/early thirties.

What would be an appropriate gift? I heard one good thing was some products from one of those Bath and Body works shops, as Korean women are quite into their beauty and such. It seems kinda personal, but is that appropriate? Anything else you would suggest? I figure spending about 50 bucks each.

One of the teachers has a son who goes to the school (kindergarten), so I teach him, and she has given me gifts in the past (Chuseok and for this Seollal).

Also, I know I ought to get something for my boss. It should be the most expensive, right? I have no idea what to get her. She's in her 50s.

For all the other teachers (all women), who I don't deal with as much, I figured just to make up a little packet of American candies or something. The only thing is that one of the other teachers also has a daughter at the school and has given me a gift (socks) for Chuseok, though I suppose that doesn't matter.

Any opinions? Thanks

[Senior]

Where are you from? I'm guessing the U.S? I would recommend something unique to your state. I usually fall back on booze. If the area you are from produces wine, that could be a thing.

One of my exes grew up on a vineyard whose wine is relatively available in Korea (her parents sold it a long time before wine from that region became popular). I quite often give it as gifts and claim it is from my friend's vineyard. Not a complete lie, so sue me. My point is, that something that has a story that the receiver can brag about to their friends has some cache.

[curiousaboutkorea]

bump?

[Goon-Yang]

Some real coffee. Nuff said.

Immigration will go through your bags if you bring back a few Kilos of coffee

[mimis]

I def. like your lotions 'n potions idea. ALL women like that stuff and Korean women esp. I don't think you can go wrong with that.

For some not so serious gifts: I'm gonna bring 'traditional' candies, cookies and chocolate next time, but I'm on a very tight budget
You could bring some unique/cool all American souveniers or something. For years, I've seen people flaunting those I♥NY bags, t-shirts and what not.

Btw; you could never make me happy with alcohol and I dunno- the same might go for Korean women, esp. the married ones...

[KevinLS]

Try to figure out what's unique about the city or state you're from and bring that. It makes it seem more valuable and thoughtful that way. I'm from Ohio, so I brought Ohio ice wine and "buckeye" peanut butter-chocolates.

[curiousaboutkorea]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I'm having a hard time thinking of something I could bring back from Massachusetts/New England (seafood doesn't seem to travel well ). I'd like to bring back something unique.
I'm thinking maybe anything with an American brand on it (we all know how brand-conscious Korea can be).

[Steelrails]

Crabtree & Evelyn. Never fails.

[curiousaboutkorea]

[Illysook]

If you are from Massachusettes (did I spell that right?) How about some McCormick spices, Old Bay seasoning, or something with a colonial theme? Where do they make Yankee Candles? Anything with the word "Yankee" would probably sound good and those candles smell amazing!