What to Gift on Eid?

[Garuda]

Hi Guys,

For the first time in my life, I am invited by one of my neighbour for Eid.

He is new in our colony and would be 10-15 years elder than us. I am around 32.

What would be a right gift to take ??


I have two options
1. They have a new house. So something for their new house?
2. Good old flowers?


I usually buy wine when we go to dinner parties but I am very sure they won't like it here. So some quick suggestion mate.

[Poison]

Its not exactly tradition to give presents to elder people for Eid.

If he has kids, get some chocolates or some sort of tasty food. For the new house, maybe a piece of china or something to stick on a wall

Please do not give a glass bowl. I've lost count the number of housewarming gifts given by relatives/family friends to my parents that have all been the same thing. Nearly 100 of these glass bowls are rotting in my attic.

[Garuda]

Originally Posted by Poison Its not exactly tradition to give presents to elder people for Eid. If he has kids, get some chocolates or some sort of tasty food. For the new house, maybe a piece of china or something to stick on a wall Please do not give a glass bowl. I've lost count the number of housewarming gifts given by relatives/family friends to my parents that have all been the same thing. Nearly 100 of these glass bowls are rotting in my attic.

Thanks mate. I will take care of that Anyway, I usually present wall paintings while gifting new house owners.

[Momo]

I'd take the good old mithai ka dabba (box of sweets).

Make sure you only pack it with gulaab jamans (two types), barfi, and chamcham though (Momo's Sequence of Disappearance Law).
http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/sh...ad.php?t=64723

[zimmz]

Originally Posted by Momo I'd take the good old mithai ka dabba (box of sweets). Make sure you only pack it with gulaab jamans (two types), barfi, and chamcham though (Momo's Sequence of Disappearance Law). http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/sh...ad.php?t=64723

The reverse is Zimmz's Sequence of Disappearance Law.

[Momo]

Originally Posted by zimmz The reverse is Zimmz's Sequence of Disappearance Law.

That's quite respectable too.

[Oxy]

Eid gift giving is usually children receiving from elders.

Children giving to grandparents etc.

There comes a time when you stop receiving anything at all - but give all the time

In your situation, I would probably give something general like a box of chocolates / mithai (if you can get it)

Definately no wine!!!

[12thMan]

If your friend has kids then give the kids Eidi (cash) and nothing else. Both the parents and kids will be happy. This is usually reserved for family/relatives as it is not expected from neighbours. The value changes by age and location but once you start you may have to give next year too. Is Rs 100 per kid a big amount in India? Find out the normal range in your area.

I will be carefull when starting something like this. The gift exchanges can become a problem and a chore. Your friend will then want to bring one on Dewali or holi and then there is another Eid coming in 4 months. I will just show up without anything. Your presence is more important and they probably don't expect anything unless a tradition has been started between you two. Go spend sometime and have some sweets or food

[Momo]

Originally Posted by 12thMan If your friend has kids then give the kids Eidi (cash) and nothing else. Both the parents and kids will be happy. This is usually reserved for family/relatives as it is not expected from neighbours. The value changes by age and location but once you start you may have to give next year too. Is Rs 100 per kid a big amount in India? Find out the normal range in your area. I will be carefull when starting something like this. The gift exchanges can become a problem and a chore. Your friend will then want to bring one on Dewali or holi and then there is another Eid coming in 4 months. I will just show up without anything. Your presence is more important and they probably don't expect anything unless a tradition has been started between you two. Go spend sometime and have some sweets or food

In Punjabi this 'tradition' is sometimes referred to as 'neyondra'.

[Oxy]

Originally Posted by Momo In Punjabi this 'tradition' is sometimes referred to as 'neyondra'.

I thought it was called 'leyna-deyna'

[Momo]

Leyna-deyna is Urdu, and is proper usage. Neyondra is Punjabi and is slang (facet.) at that.

[Garuda]

Alright, Thanks a lot guys for your input.

I had a good time at our new neighbour's place. ( and it was good to see all 4 religion ppl gathered )

I took a box of meethai ( motichoor ladoo, Gulab jaamoon and kaaju katli) and a decent size modern art wall painting. Just neutral gift.

The food was really nice with Biryani and some lamb dishes with mint. Unfortunately, we had to return early before I could fill myself to extreme as we had left our 6 week old at home.

Bottomline, very nice neighbours and I liked talking to their parents who were quite old and very loving ppl.