We have a student from China living with us for a few weeks. It’s part of a cultural exchange program. He won’t be going to school while he’s here, but he did bring quite a bit of homework with him. He’s going to be living with our family for the experience of living in America (I hope he doesn’t think we’re crazy). His plan is to come here in a few years to attend College.
He brought us some beautiful gifts from China I’d like to share with you. He lives in the city of Nanjing. There are 7 million people living there. Our city has about 20,000 people. That’s quite a contrast.
He brought us a beautiful book with pictures of interesting parts of the city. We keep it in our living room on the ottoman now, so we can look at it often. Hubby’s already read the whole book. He wants to go to China so bad. The rocks are from his city too. I love rocks. They’re in a jar with my other special rocks. The chop sticks are so pretty, but not very pratical to use. He said they were too smooth. We tried them and I think they worked pretty well.
The stamps are so colorful and fun. I wish I could read the Chinese on them.
His mother picked out the silk scarves. Amanda and I both want the one on the bottom. Aren’t they beautiful?
His mother picked out the silk pajamas too. They’re so soft and slinky and they will never fit me in my life. They’re a large and are the size of a small in the US. I like them on the hanger, so they might stay that way for a while. I love the colors and the pattern!
A beautiful silk fan with Chinese writing
That came with this Brocade Long Scroll.
Here’s a closer look at some of the details on the scroll.
These yunjin brocades are made on a wooden loom by weaving masters. They’re gorgeous!
This is the symbol of his city, Nanjing.
He brought this little guy from Beijing. He was a mascot at the 2008 Olympics.
Here’s Ammon waiting for Lan Tu at the airport.
We welcomed him to the US by having S’mores that evening. I think they were a little too sweet. He went in the house and got a drink of water, but he ate the whole thing and had more.
He brought us so many beautiful gifts. I have no idea what to give him when he leaves. I also want to give something to his parents. If anyone has any ideas, I’m all ears.
We’ve had exchange students when my son was younger. I liked to take lots of pictures while they were here and then make up a small photo album for them to take home, a family photo with them in the picture in a frame (with each person’s name written on the back of the frame).
Barnes and Noble or Borders have large picture books of America or USA that show beautiful colored photos of all different parts of the the US. They are often in the discounted book section. I think the book would be a great gift because it shows a little bit of the whole country.
I would not give a food gift, as it might break inside the luggage and make a mess, or it could be confiscated at the border crossing.
I’d love to enter your giveaway, but I don’t have a blog so I guess I’m out?? Next time I’d be fun if you could make the qualifications something different….comment about what you like on sponsors website, become a follower of your blog, etc….Thanks!
How exciting to have a foreign exchange student. I am sure it is very fun and you are all learning so much.
I agree – a beautiful picture book would be something nice to get and relatively inexpensive. I also love the idea of a photo album – maybe personalized for him with some little notes of fun things you did together or use index cards to write your memories for him to reflect on and slide it in place instead of a picture.
I would think about some small trinkets from a local store that specializes in unique things for your area. I have a store locally that carries handmade crafts from local artisans that I would shop at. Also, check out etsy – there are so many unique american made things on that site that you might find something decidedly American. For a younger sybling, the pencil or crayon holders by Two Little Tots are a big hit. (http://twolittletots.bigcartel.com/)
Finally, it might be fun to give him some very American things – what reminds you of being an American? If you have boys, maybe a Louisville slugger or a Wilson baseball mitt or maybe a jersey from your favorite team. If he has sisters or for his mother, maybe something that is popular with girls right now or some pretty accessories or jewelry made by a local artisan.
I’ve heard that the Asian exchange students always bring such wonderful gifts for their host families. It’s so amazing, they’re beautiful artwork and customs. What could you possibly send home with him to compare? I know your hospitality is the true gift, but really? What ARE you going to send home with him?
Love other commenter’s ideas about the photo book! Your blog made me think of an article I read last week in the LA Times: http://articles.latimes.com/2010/jul/25/local/la-me-chinese-gifts-20100725
It’s about how so many things here are made in China, so it’s hard to give gifts to those who live in China. May not help you think of what to give, but will help to know what to steer clear of.
What amazing gifts – so beautiful! You can make him a scrapbook of his trip maybe or of cool things of the U.S.
Liked Jana’s ideas especially sports stuff