FIRST TIME VISIT FOR GRAMMY!

I am a 69 y.o. Grandmother whose lifelong dream of visiting China will hopefully become real in April.  My husband and I will be celebrating our 49th anniversary in the cultural sites of China.  Two of our stops will be with a host family for lunch and also to visit with school children.  (my particular favorite) :D

As is custom here in U.S. we would like to bring a small gift to both Host family and school children.  Please inform what gifts would be appropriate for each.  Many thanks for any suggestions. Grammy

Hello, Grammy, welcome you! Gifts for children is easier to choose. Any small things of Mickey Mouse or somthing from your country will attract their eyeballs. Host family, bring something that is special. Happy travel! Happy marriage!

Hello, Grammy, I am intending to explain more of special gifts. To avoid embarrassing situations and sending unintended messages, special consideration should be given not only to the gift but also to how it is wrapped and presented in China. Clock, umbrela, pears and medicine should be avoided. When wrap the present, black and white paper are not welcomed because they are always used at funeral. When signing your name, please avoid red ink which means ending your friendship. If you are preparing small things, please got two or six in hand but not four. Four sounds dead in Chinese. Single number is not recommended. Hope it is of any help! Tina

Dear Tina: These are exactly the kinds of advice I require! Am anxious that I do not offend any Chinese customs or people. I am so thankful for these suggestions. Also am trying to learn basic words and phrases. If my accent makes anyone smile, I will be so happy!

That's lovely! Here is a page for you to learn some Chinese: http://www.chinahighlights.com/guidebook_link.htm
Go to the bottom of the page directly, you will find the useful words and phrase information. You can download the PDF file and audio file.  It consits of Chinese words, Chinese pinyin, English translation and pronounciation.

Any more information about the host? A big family with older people and small children or middle aged? Gifs for elder people should be chosen carefuly according to Chinese tradition and follow the advice from Tina. Chinese youth are open to the world. Local crafts from your country, photo books are fine. Cheers!

As for our Host family, we are uninformed at present. 

My feeling would be to bring a gift to the Hostess who prepares lunch and oversees visiting people.  Of course, if this is not ususal, I would surely like to know.  Here in U.S. it is ususal to do this.  I never bring anything for teenagers since they alway get everything from sacrificing parents!! :D:D

If grandparents live with Hosts I would certainly not want to offend.  What is Chinese custom? Grammy

I know what you mean. Please feel free to take what you would like to and avoid the things that may affend Chinese people. It is better to say "Thank you all" when presenting the gift not only to the hostess.

I agree with Bigjim. It is not a serious occasion and you know nothing about her family before. A gift from your country is better, nevermind the price.

[quote user="Anonymous"]Any more information about the host? A big family with older people and small children or middle aged? Gifs for elder people should be chosen carefuly according to Chinese tradition and follow the advice from Tina. Chinese youth are open to the world. Local crafts from your country, photo books are fine.
Cheers![/quote]

Most helpful, thank you.  What gifts shall be appropriate for elder people?   Thanks for any help.

Grammy