Help me find appropriate present for Chinese friend!

[GlitterGlassEye]

There is a Chinese takeaway across the road from my house and the owner has had a heart attack ☹️. I’ve known him a very long time (around 25 years) and he always sends a red envelope to my dps gm every year (she lived next door but passed away this year). What can we get him as a get well soon present?

No idea, except I know that red and gold are considered very auspicious colours in Chinese culture, if that helps at all!

I was looking at a nice Parker pen set in gold and red (brings in prosperity apparently!) but trying to think outside the box a little but I would defo buy it if I was stuck as he’s very generous.

There is an exhibition in the World Museum in Liverpool on the Terracotta Warriors, you might be able to order a book or something online.

Oh that sounds lovely. I’m a bit scared to choose something tho that might offend in any way as I have no idea about the culture .

I went to see the Terracotta Warriors myself and bought the book which really detailed and full of information on the history of China. There were miniature Warriors you could buy which were quite reasonable in price. What about tickets to see them if it's not too far to travel

We’re in Glasgow so might be a bit much tbh. Just a nice personal gesture to show that we care .

I will have a look at the book tho.

A house plant in a lovely plant pot??

8 is the lucky number

Just don't buy him a clock or a watch - very bad luck!

Would a mini bonsai tree be a nice gift?

Yes cao. I’ve read that is unlucky. Scared of getting it wrong.

If it’s a get well soon present does it have to be something cultural?
How about something more generic like a nice fruit basket gift (you could use gold ribbon maybe as a cultural gesture if you want) or perhaps a nice plant in a gold pot?

I agree - I think you're over-thinking it a bit - especially if he's been in the UK for 25+ years! Something simple like a nice plant would be perfect.

What would you give him if he wasn't Chinese?

I was thinking a regular gift would be better too. He's Chinese, but he's not different to any other unwell neighbour iyswim.

Yy to a fruit basket, a lovely message in a card, a magazine...

Bonsai are Japanese and need tending every day.

I think fruit or flowers would be right as a get well. There are a few do's and don't son this site. www.jazzviolin.com/china/2007/10/05/china-gifts-chinese-gift-etiquette-gift-ideas-in-china-gift-giving-in-china-gift-taboos/

Do not give anything to do with Chrysanthemum flowers or clocks or knives (no reason to give the last 2 anyway but just saying).

What would be best is a fruit basket - but include oranges (orange sounds like success in Chinese). with a large gold and red ribbon on the top! You could add a banner to wish him good health on it - print out on red paper if you can "祝你身體健康" if from Hong Kong or Taiwan or "祝你身体健康" if from mainland China.

To be honest a lot of people worry about offending Chinese as the culture is so different - but generally most don't worry and take it in the spirit given. But do avoid chrysanthemums - flower only used for funerals.

I think a fruit basket (including oranges) would be lovely and a lucky bamboo plant. I hope your friend gets well again soon.

Every time I read 'nice' plant I keep seeing Rice plant. Just sayin' and yes I'm a bit bleary eyed this morning

just buy fruit or flowers or whatever you would get anyone else, it doesn’t need to be Chinese, he’s lived in the uk for 25 years!
I used to live in China for several years, I’d of been thinking wtf if my Chinese neighbour brought around a mini of the queen or something incredibly british if I was ill, just buy whatever you would buy one of your friends.