Hi everyone, I hope someone can advise me please.

I am travelling to Ankara in the near future to meet my boyfriend's mum I would like to take her a present to show my appreciation for inviting me to her home but I'm not sure what to take that would be acceptable to her. Of course my boyfriend is no help at all If somebody could guide me I would be eternally grateful.

Many thanks in advance

a bunch of flowers

Depends on mother's age.But you can always take a piece of jewellery(a necklace) or sweets or some crafts like a vase or tablecloth.It must be sth original.The most important will be your intention,your heart put in this gift.Good luck

Something silver for decoration is popular amongst mothers.
But for my own mum a book or something for the kitchen is more attractive.Character, age and hobbies are important as well.

Thank you all for your ideas.

The lady in question is 60 years old and is a widow. She lives with her four sons, eight sons in total, bless her heart. I thought about flowers and some sort of craft but I really don't know her choice.

I don't want to make a big impression, I don't want her to feel I've gone overboard, just a gift to show my appreciation.

Thank you again for your help.

I hope the family I'm visiting doesn't find this thread or that'll spoil my surprise.

But what I'm bringing as gifts this summer for the mother and the sisters are silk headscarfs. They are beautiful, multi-colored and original print hawaiian designs. And lots of stuff miniature dolphins and penguins for the nieces and nephews. And hawaiian keychains for all the men in the house.

I'm so excited!!! I can't wait to go.

Kat

a photo frame is a nice gift I think and maybe some specially scented soap for a first visit....second time around you will know better what to take

me too im meeting my b/f mum this summer, im so nervous and i dont know what to think, if she will approve of me or not

Kat007, Loveprague & reBooped, I love the idea of a picture frame, also silk headscarfs. I think I will go for these ideas, maybe with some scented soap too.

Melnceyhun, I'm really nervous too, but I'm sure everything will be fine. Have a wonderful time, it will certainly be an experience.

Thank you all for your lovely ideas, I have to shop now!!!

Yeah, flowers are such a key that there is no door which they can't open.

(Woow! This has looked like a maxim! )

Oh please, catwoman... don't ever resort to my wisdom, especially for daily sad affairs; because, as you experienced once very well, it doesn't work inddeed. In such cases there would be no need being too romantic with flowers and you should immediately have called for a locksmith. You know, being romantic is one thing, an actual sad daily affair is another.

Speaking of Moms and flowers...

Did you know that my Mom thinks flowers are not practical?

She probably wants money, clothes, gadgets, kitchen stuff, or "practical" things. My Dad thinks flowers are a waste of money too. Haha... no wonder they are together.

I gave her roses once and she gave it to someone else who would appreciate them more.

kat007- Are you sure she is really a mother and he, a father?

I hope I am not too late. But, Turks have a special thing for flowers, espeically Gül(Rose). So to give something unique, I have a suggestion and you can look into it if you like. It's call Gold Roses(roses dipped in Gold). I dunno how it may sound but you can take a look at this website if you like:
http://www.loveisarose.com/

It's something unique.

I'm wondering how much of the family you give gifts to? I have so many in-laws I don't have any idea who to give gifts and who not to give

A steam pot would be a great gift for a mum of 8! Azade think just as your family. The closer, the more expensive! Start with mum dad and sis. and bro. Rest can have same gift like picture frame, photo album, magnets, mugs, etc.

Azade,
When I first met my fiancee's mum I felt also that I had to take gifts to her immediate family I have taken gifts every time I have visited but the gifts have become smaller now I remember I took her sister some nice wedged shoes (I used to sell ladies shoes self-employed) I took her nephew a very nice gift which was an american basketball shirt I think that really was a hit with her nephew. I would say for the first time meeting family just take some presents for the immediate family, sister, brother, mum and father of your loved one

Thanks for your tips arkadaşlar

The thing about m case is that my husband has 11 siblings, all of them (except 2) live in the same neighbourhood. Unfortunately, the first and second time I went there we didn't have any money (we were broke basically) so we didn't really bring anything for them, but I'd like to do it now. I have sent a gift for one of my brother in laws because he asked me for something specifically that he couldn't get in Turkey but now I don't know if I should bring something for them when I go there next time. Would it be a good idea?

Im going to meet my friends parents. He is not my bf yet. Hmm.. i dunno.. but i think that sweets from some other country is really good gift. Unless his mom isnt like . I hope that they like me or else i dunno what to do .

Pretty pictorial coasters from your own country are a nice gift, or very small dishes for the table of whatever takes your fancy - pretty roses or something feminine for her. Or sweets or biscuits in tins etc with pictorial paintings. Gives her something special to remember you by and show her other visitors without being too ostentatious. Kids or men would quite like a pack of cards with picture backs of your country.

I always take my mother in law in Turkey scented paper drawer liners and smellies, also she likes decorative picture frames. English chocolate and earl grey tea also go down very well. Father in law usually gets a good bottle of single malt from the duty free!!

Merhaba everyone,

When I first visited my fiance's family (before he was my fiance), I didn't know them that well so I gave each of them envelopes with money in them. Since I am from Hershey, PA, I attached the envelopes to a big Hershey Chocolate Bar.

iyi günler!

Say what you want, but I meant no disrespect. In my family, that is what we give each other as gifts. We would rather have money to buy something we really want. Of course unless you know of something that the person really wants and then you purchase that item for them.

But, I will make sure to never "insult" either of you in that way!!

I don't have a problem with giving money at birthdays and other holidays, but absolutely not when meeting for the first time.

It was just a suggestion and what I did. Right or wrong, it is in the past and I was happy with my decision.

To say giving money is a "cop out", I don't know about you, but I work very hard for my money. When I give, it is with all my heart, and never thoughtless.

I also think it is inappropriate, cruel and unkind to "have such a go" at Lovebug for doing something, she thought was OK. This "thoughtless act" is merely a lack of understanding of a culture. I am sure the family would not show any offence publically.

What about it the tables were turned and the Turkish family gave Lovebug an "inappropriate" gift would she be offended or insulted? I doubt it, because at the end of the day we mostly understand that those from different cultures miss out some of the finer detail and can easily make a mistake.

It does not mean that anyone is "purposely" causing offence.

Quoting libralady:

I am not offended and I am not saying whether it is right or wrong, but the tone of the response was, which I don't class as a discussion.


Thank you,Libralady, my sentiments exactly.

and im the lucky one coz when i met my mother-in-law, she was the one who came here to see and know me.

"I can see now that I was so wrong to disagree with you. A 'discussion' means we all agree with eachother right? "


What I was agreeing with was the abrassive way in which you chose to have a "discussion."

Shame on you Lovebug - you are spoiling this thread!

Now...back to the subject:- Suitable gifts for boyfriend's mother.. raki?

ok so just read this thread, meeting the family in the very near future. would like to take a gift for my fellas mum and dad, is it approriate? just something little, they wont think i'm a silly english girl flashing the cash will they?

was thinking some nice handmade chocolates or something, maybe a neckscarf or headscarf? possible get my nan to knit me something.