I'm in a situation where I am not expected to come empty handed - I need to bring a gift to a young (about 29) lady of urban background (I think upper middle class or hi class), she is the wife of a Thai friend.

The gift should be nice and of reasonable cost.

So... what gifts would anyone suggest?

Depends on the occasion and how well you know your friend and his wife. At one end of the spectrum (newly made friends inviting you to their place for a first meal) then something of a non-permanent nature may be OK such as flowers (not red roses obviously!) or something edible. At the other end of the range (such as the birthday of very good friend's wife) then something more permanent is appropriate. A cut cut glass vase or bowl may do the trick. I come from The Netherlands, and admit to using a stock of Delft vases for such occasions (it also helps the industry back home and is a little more personal without being OTT). But that's my view. Interested to hear other replies. (BTW Don't invite me to dinner if you don't have space for a vase on your mantelshelf).

good advice from stranger, something from home if you have it is always good, some good chocolate if Swiss or Belgian is a good example.

I stopped at a Harrods at Heathrow on my way home this time and bought my GF a handbag and put some things inside of it, teddy bear, sweets, perfume etc. It didn't cost much, maybe $50 all up and she was pretty happy with it. It was also easy for me to carry. Remember they love brand names!

Thanks for the advice so far!

Flowers

This always does the trick Buy some Flowers A nice arrangement from a local florist will do the trick And it will be very well recieved

And chances are she never gets them so she will be very happy

I would suggest a nice bottle of perfume.

Some companies sell a 5 or 6 small perfume bottles, with different essence, in one packet.

Or a set of, eye colouring, chick colouring variety, about 10 different colours, including the brushes, in one set.

Just my suggestion.

Edited February 20, 201412 yr by Costas2008

If she is Buddhist ( more than likely) those little Buddha idols you put on a necklace does wonders . There are all ranges of prices from cheap to very very expensive . Up to you how much you want to spend .

A bottle of lao khao.

If she is the wife of your friend, it should not be things like perfume or clothing or handbags or anything else so personal that would only be appropriate for a girlfriend, bar girl or at least a female friend who you know quite well.

If you are going to their home, but bringing a gift for her, presumably it's her birthday or something else for which the focus is exclusively her?? If not, the gift should be made to the couple or the family who are hosting the event.

Stick with the flowers.

Edited February 20, 201412 yr by Suradit69

Weightlifting straps.

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I stopped at a Harrods at Heathrow on my way home this time and bought my GF a handbag and put some things inside of it, teddy bear, sweets, perfume etc. It didn't cost much, maybe $50 all up and she was pretty happy with it. It was also easy for me to carry. Remember they love brand names!

Yeh, LOS is full of brand names...............

A lovely piece of Benjarong ceramics. Famous and well known in and out of Thailand. An elegant gift that will take it's proper place in their home. Best place to buy is Chatuchak Market. Comes with a beautful silk covered box with lovely quilted lining. An array of beautiful colors.Depending on the size of the piece the price will vary,but for sure can buy a great looking piece for about 400-600THB including the gift box. I have personally given these types of gifts on many occasions and have always been well received.

A bottle of wine, Penfolds Bin 389

How about a bolt of good quality silk from the Queen's Project.

It really depends on how well you know this lady. Even if the husband is sophisticated, she may not be. If you know that she is sophisticated, I would suggest a bottle of wine (they may decide to share it during dinner, which would be nice). Otherwise I would suggest a box of chocolates but not a cheap one.. It would always be nice to bring something that they do not easily find in Thailand but nevertheless would appreciate. I would stay away from anything that is durable - vases, household items etc as people can be funny about this. If you bring flowers, get some advice on what kind of flowers to bring - the florist could help you with this, if you trust them. Good luck!

shower gel and table manners ..

Thanks for the suggestions!

still undecided though... 555

Garret popcorn.

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Be VERY careful what flowers you buy. Different flowers have different meanings and are associated with specific occasions in Thailand. I don't have a list at hand but maybe some other members can advise.

I would chose flowers and chocolate, preferably in some nice looking boxes from Godiva. The flowers can be any colour as long as it is a mix but awoid red roses or white coloured flowers if you chose single colour.

Buying perfume is not as easy as it seems as fragances give different sents on diffrent women, and as someone mentioned, it is better reserved for ones wife or GF.

A bottle of lao khao.

......and not forgetting Tum pahdad..... [ don't take this seriously meant to be a joke]. Seriously chocolates and candies ; branded will be great. good luck.!!!!!

your ATM card

I stopped at a Harrods at Heathrow on my way home this time and bought my GF a handbag and put some things inside of it, teddy bear, sweets, perfume etc. It didn't cost much, maybe $50 all up and she was pretty happy with it. It was also easy for me to carry. Remember they love brand names!

$50 for a bag, perfume, and teddy bear...from Harrods, you're joking. A plastic carrier is about $20, what perfume did you buy for christ's sake...555

I stopped at a Harrods at Heathrow on my way home this time and bought my GF a handbag and put some things inside of it, teddy bear, sweets, perfume etc. It didn't cost much, maybe $50 all up and she was pretty happy with it. It was also easy for me to carry. Remember they love brand names!

Harrods... handbag... perfume...brand names... $50...

Did you mean $500?

French 50's style stockings and some butter

Wine is always good, can't go wrong with this.

Thanks for the advice so far!

Thais really don't care for gifts (cash is always graciously accepted), but they love to eat and the fail safe token of appreciation is a fruit basket.

Or.............

Very nice..........