Gifts
 

I will be going to Moscow soon, and was wondering what type of gifts I could bring my business collegues in Russia from the US. Probably something easily packed in a suitcase. Any ideas?

Thanks!

Just about anything is available, for a price (which your colleagues may or may not be able to afford, depending on your business). Something that is likely to be disproportionately expensive in Moscow would likely be most appreciated. Items that are characteristically foreign premium brands also tend to be most welcome. Try to ascertain what is interesting/valuable to them personally, and if there is something related that is not readily available or (more likely) not affordable in Russia.

The lacquered boxes and Caviar(legal?) are the most popular. The illustrated fairy tale books are nice.

We bought some watches that were very popular. The cover over the face is painted like a laquered box. There are smaller similar images along the band. Easiest to find in museum shops.

Uh, slawecki, I think Paulguy was talking about taking stuff from the US to Russia, to give to the Russians. I'd have to echo what chalf said about most things being available, for a price, in Moscow. Foreign premium brands is a good call. Quick question: are these colleagues Russians or American expats?

It all depends on if your colleagues are just business partners or more like friends... So the choice would be appropriate for the curcumstances. Also dont forget they they might buy everything (clothes or household stuff or supermarket food) they need either in Russia or on holidays abroad themselves as they can be reasonably well-off or even wealthy - this is the case for the managers of many large Russian companies/banks nowdays. If you really want to make presents - bring something which is really American and they cannot buy it anywhere else. The rest is up to you but just remember it is no more desperate time of 1970s - many Russians are wealthy now (even in Western terms) and they won't like cheap clothes or supermarket food which they can buy around the corner themselves. enjoy your trip and hope your hosts will be happy with your presents:-)