Going to Japan on ambassador program. Want to know what kinds gifts bring to kids?

[peace]

I need some help I am going to Japan on an ambassador program. I am suppose to bring some gifts to give to the children that represent my country the United States. I was thinking of bringing a bunch of hacky sacks but didn't know if the children over there already played that. It seems everything we have in the US is already made in China or Japan. Anybody have any ideas? Must be small I need to carry a large amount.

[Nagoyankee]

I think hacky sacks would be a great idea because it's not very widely played in Japan. It would give you chance to actually play with the Japanese kids, which is often as important as verbal communication. You could make friends quickly that way.

[peace]

Do you also know what kind of American candy would be good. That dosn't melt.

[Nagoyankee]

Originally Posted by peace

Do you also know what kind of American candy would be good. That dosn't melt.

Sure, candies are my specialty. I've given as souvenirs American candies to all age groups of Japanese in the past. From this experience, I can tell you that they find your best-selling chocolate products way too sweet. Japan is a country where Snickers and M&M's flopped completely because they never adjusted the sweetness level to appeal to the Japanese palate.

If I were you, I'd bring Lifesavers and chewing gums. We certainly have similar products in Japan but the different package designs alone would please the kids. People tend to bring things that they are sure that the other country doesn't have. But kids are much more conservative with food than adults are. If something tastes strange, they may not eat it after the first bite.

[peace]

Thank you, you've helped me a ton. What about some of our rock band T-shirts do they keep up with any american groups? If you have any other ideas I would appresiate it. I have heard Japan is very in to giving gifts more than Americans. I also need an idea to leave for a local family I will spend 1 of my weeks with. I've heard not to make it to expensive because they feel they will need to give something more back. So I was really looking for something meaningful. I appresiate all your help.

[Nagoyankee]

Originally Posted by peace

Thank you, you've helped me a ton. What about some of our rock band T-shirts do they keep up with any american groups? If you have any other ideas I would appresiate it. I have heard Japan is very in to giving gifts more than Americans. I also need an idea to leave for a local family I will spend 1 of my weeks with. I've heard not to make it to expensive because they feel they will need to give something more back. So I was really looking for something meaningful. I appresiate all your help.

T-shirts are always nice, but unless you know exactly what American bands that the people you are meeting in Japan are into, you may have difficlty in choosing the T-shirts. How about ones with your state name on them? I'm pretty sure those would be much safer in general.

You've heard it right. Never over-do it when it comes to givng gifts. For that family you're staying with, forget about things that take space to keep in their house such as dolls. I'd go for nicer-looking ball-pens/mechanical pensils. As long as you're selecting the Parker brand, they will be able to find the ink refills in Japan. One for each family member would be much appreciated. They are suitcase-friendly as well and they last many years.

[MMM]

In my own personal experience, don't bother giving sweets to Japanese. American sweets are too sugary for the Japanese tongue. A hacky-sack looks like a tiny piece of garbage, because they don't know what to do with it.

Calendars and small picture books tend to be hits. Shot glasses or things of that size are good too.

[tereaa]

america candy and toy would be great

[peace]

Thanks so much to all of you for your ideas. Now I get to go shopping. I leave 2 weeks from today and am so excited. This will be my first time out of the country so all this is new to me. I really did need some help. I'm glad I found this site. and plan on staying a member.

[xGatck]

Originally Posted by peace

Thanks so much to all of you for your ideas. Now I get to go shopping. I leave 2 weeks from today and am so excited. This will be my first time out of the country so all this is new to me. I really did need some help. I'm glad I found this site. and plan on staying a member.

enjoy your visit and good luck ^^