Gift ideas for international colleagues

Dear all, as many of you know, it is usual to give presents to colleagues, especially when traveling to Asia.

In the past I have given wine, books, and Australian chocolates. The problem with wine is the weight and the limited amount that can be taken to some countries. I have also seen bags coming off the carousal leaking red fluid (ugh!). Chocolate melts and many people in Asia do not have a fondness for sweet items. With books, as I have authored a few now, giving my own does have a real personal touch and always well received, especially when signed, but I have given these away to most of my close colleagues who I will be visiting this year. Plus books are not all that light.

Thus I would be very interested to hear what you may have given away as gifts in the past, especially those that have been well received. Typically I would spend under AUD$100 as a guide.

Appreciate your thoughts.

Stephen

I give elegantly carved ‘buttons’ (about 150mm in diameter) of Australian fauna by a Victorian craft group called Buttonworks. They also do coasters in the same way. Well within your price range and they work in all cultures and are a lasting gift that can be hung as well as great fun trying to name all of the animals after getting past the kangaroo and koala.

My usual gifts are Tim Tams, Hand crafted Boomerangs, Koala stuffed toys, Kangaroo stuffed toys. Boomerang was the most appreciated one followed by Tim Tams.

here's a thought - maybe some small electronic items - thumb drives, storage disc, mouse, earphones,

Tassie whisky has become the new booze choice for me - can get more bottles within limit.

Something like this could be cool if they like to drink - https://www.cocktailkit.com.au/product/gintonica-australian-gin-sampler-pack/

If the colleagues are female- handcreams from local ingredients are really recieved eg juique... also we’ve had some sucess with hand carved wooden coasters. If you’re in Perth the shop in kings park has a great range of ideal australiana thats not tacky

Perth Mint

Tim Tams can be found in supermarkets in SIN, HKG, PVG, and likely others.

If you're giving Tim Tams, just check where they're made if you're wanting to provide an 'Australian' gift. I've bought them before in Singaporean supermarkets but could only find Tim Tams made in Indonesia rather than Australia.