Okay, Okay before the fur starts flying just hear me out.

I understand people have strong feelings about tipping in China. I understand and respect the customs and would definitely not want to add to the bad 'American' influence. Which as I understand is already becoming pretty prevalent at some of the more upscale hotels/restaurant.

It also doesn't help when you read signs and get loud hints to please tip your driver/tour guide/spa masseuse or anyone else. I think most of us bad-influence-foreigners have just been conditioned in a tipping society and don't know what to do when the bell boys, door man, servers, etc. does the "linger & stink-eye" international symbol for I'm-waiting-for-my-tip shuffle. Also, what about the someone I really want to say thank you for the great job helping me, what do I give them to show my appreciation when 'Thank you' isn't enough? We, or rather I can say at least on my behalf -I do not want to add to the problem, nor do I want to disrespect anyone let alone a whole culture. My husband on the other hand is positively thrilled about supporting the no tipping in China etiquette, he also never waited on tables but I digress.

So on that note could you add your 2 cents on suggesting something else I could instead use as a thank you? A small item/token that I can bring that would be a symbolic gesture I could give instead? Something small so that I can carry a bunch around with me, but not crap either that they will have no actual use for or want. Like a small hostess gift if you will.

I'm a confectioner so I thought maybe chocolates, or candy, or cookies It would be heartfelt and made with my own tiny hands. But I'm not sure 1.-carrying bags of chocolates/cookies is practical as a tourist 2.-kinda creepy taking candy from a stranger, (though I won't be wearing a trench coat and twirling my evil mustache next to my skeevy guess-how-many-people-I've-abducted van, so that should help some) 3.-would that even be something anyone would want or understand 4.-am I just a crazy person? Don't answer that. etc, etc, etc.

Substitute small liquor bottles, pens (who the hell would want pens?), pins, shot glasses (what's with the alcoholic theme?) god knows what else, and the same questions apply. Only now I'm the crazy lady handing out alcohol. Pretty sure someone's gonna have to bail me out of jail before my trip is over. Can someone teach me how to say "I swear it's a cultural misunderstanding officer."?

I saw a food travel show w/ Ken Hom going from town to town in China and on one of the stops was his hometown and he was passing out silver dollars or some kind of commemorative dolllar coin in little red envelopes, and he mentioned it was for good luck and fortune. I thought it was a great idea -small, good wishes, easy peasy. But then that's just money again isn't it? Not sure it would come across as thank you and I wish you good fortune or more like 'That cheapskate just gave me a dollar. A freakin' dollar!'

So please take pity, help advise the culturally inept. What small thoughtful/useful token that is NOT made in China could you think of? Any suggestions are welcomed. Thanks in advance! Cheers.