Korean Job Discussion Forums

Kaypea · Joined: 09 Oct 2008

Hi, Dad's taken care of.

What to get for Mom?

I was born without the female gift-choosing gene.

Somebody tell me, what's a safe and classy present for a mom? Some kind of jewellery? What have you gotten your Mom? She won't tell me what she wants, but I want to get her something between 50,000- 100,000 I guess.

Thanks!!!

Kaypea · Joined: 09 Oct 2008

Before someone asks, "What would you have gotten her in the home country, stupid?" I will admit to always being a gift-certificate giver... They're what I like to receive, too! Cash or GC all the way!

dongjak · Joined: 30 Oct 2010

Has your mom visited you in Korea?

Last time my mom was here we went to the Seoul Folk Flea Market and she really liked these antique Korean lawn ornaments. But she didn't have enough space in her suitcase.

I will be getting those and sending them to her.

For my sisters, I will get clothes and stuff from Skin Food. I think they are small town enough to be impressed by local beauty products.

If your mom is into antiques/handicrafts, the Seoul Folk Flea Market is pretty decent.

DorkothyParker · Joined: 11 Apr 2009 Location: Jeju

Rather than get a "Mom" gift or "Dad" gift, I go by their interests.
My mom would never wear jewelery, my dad wouldn't be caught dead in a tie.

For this year, I split the cost of a Kindle and accessories with my two sisters. My Mom is a huge bookworm. In the past, I've gotten her B&N giftcards or various horror movies (she really likes the blood and guts).

Stop trying to worry about what "moms" like and get something thoughtful that you think she will like. Even if you miss the mark a little, she will appreciate the thoughtfulness involved.

Died By Bear · Posted: Tue Nov 23, 2010 5:13 am Post subject:

If it was me, I'd hit one of those areas that have lots of really nice, (20-50 bucks) costume jewelry that Koreans have a great variety of. All kinds of cool animal characters and hearts, and angels and unique stuff you don't see back home...your mom would probably like whatever you got her...then head over to a shop that sells those little boxes (tradional Korean jewelry box with intricate wooden patterns) and spend about 60-90 man wons on a nicer one. She'll love you forever.

murmanjake · Joined: 21 Oct 2008

I got my mom a Kindle. 189 for the unlimited 3g version.

a little bit beyond your price range(ok about double). But my mom couldnt have been happier. (it was my belated birthday/pre-xmas present)

she's a reader though.

A great piece of technology for older people.

Kaypea · Joined: 09 Oct 2008

murmanjake · Joined: 21 Oct 2008

Yah, the new one's got a web browser built in(basic of course, but enough for online newspapers, webmail, etc.). That combined with unlimited 3g makes it a pretty powerful tool for a real decent price. (They say the unlimited 3g is even international, but I find it hard to believe that it would be free across the world)

My mom ordered a monthly subscription of some science magazine for two bucks a month.

The online books can be pricey, well for a book that you can never give away or lend, but there are tons of public domain texts available.

I also got her the leather case with built-in light. As the screen isn't backlit it seemed necessary for late-night reading comfort. The case was pricey though, at about 50, so total price I paid was about $240.

machoman · Joined: 11 Jul 2007

i'm going to buy myself a christmas present that would probably be great for moms too.....

www.aerogarden.com

DorkothyParker · Joined: 11 Apr 2009 Location: Jeju

OMG! Aerogarden looks awesome. *jealous*

Taya · Joined: 09 Jan 2009 Location: Changwon

Last year I wanted to get Korean gifts for everyone. Mom got a handbag, a scarf, and some Skin Food products. Dad and my brother each got a mink blanket. My grandmother got a jewelry box and my grandfather got a tea set.

This year I decided not to bother with Korean gifts since the novelty of me living here is worn off. I'm getting my dad a GPS and I'll probably get my brother a video game or two.

But I'm also not sure what to get my mother. Maybe a jacket or something.

nikki15 · Joined: 02 Jun 2010

Tickets to a show. Everyone loves a good night out on the town. Although, could be a bit above your price range depending on the show.

northway · Joined: 05 Jul 2010

I'm a big fan of the mother of pearl inlaid jewelry boxes you can get in Insadong. They're uniquely Korean while also quite beautiful.

Kaypea · Joined: 09 Oct 2008

I ended up getting something non-Korean... nice leather gloves from Lotte. They were somewhere in the middle of my stated price range.

Also, some odds and ends... a book about Korea, flu masks, Skin Food, postcards depticting old Korean movie posters... Done!

Time to hit the post office.

princess · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: soul of Asia

Don't let the name "Skin Food" fool you. Everything they sell is nasty chemicals except for their carrot sun cream...(supposedly)....why would I want to give people chemicals??? The same goes for Lush, Body Shop, Etude House...I did my research and am totally disgusted by these companies now...money is the name of their game. People need to stop thinking "companies" care about them.