Gift Advice - What to Bring New Boss?

** jeanneleez **

When I arrive at my new job in Kolkata, what would be an appropriate gift to give to my new boss? He hired me sight unseen and that trust in me is quite appreciated. I would like to thank him appropriately.

He's pretty sophisticated, having been in advertising in New York City for ten years before returning to India. I'm not sure if a Cross pen will do it. I don't know if he drinks, and would not feel comfortable giving him a bottle of single malt scotch.

I plan on bringing a few extra Cross pens for the real estate agent who helps me find the flat, Manish, the chap who's been helping me with the details of my move, and another for the gentleman at the Landmark hotel who stuck his neck out to get us booked with our pets.

Any other ideas?

BTW - This web site rocks. It's been sort of a roller coaster getting this move underway and the only real constant has been this list. Thank you for providing excellent advice.

-- Jeanne

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Noodle

I would say that anything you would find appropriate giving your American boss in the US would be appropriate for your Indian boss as well. Especially since he's been to the US, so he will appreciate it. A bottle of cognac rarely fails and if he doesn't drink he will still appreciate the thought and serve it to guests.

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If in hole
stop digging.

Indian saying

karthik_mitta

Boss - Cross should do....

For the real estate agent - I am not sure if he will recognize the cross vs a reynolds ball pen we get here in india So, if you have the budget a digital camera might be very cool!

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KM

In the process of gaining our rightful place, we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds - Martin Luther King Jr.

Tapestry

I think a pen is a good gift; some people don't drink. I brought Cross pens over for the same reason and they were well received.

shashank.aggarwal

yes ... depending on the cost of the cross pen..a digital Camera/Mp3 player OR a good mobile handset would do the wonders for the AGENT..

even though electronics are easily available here..however if someone gets them from US then its something to boast in local circles..

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Spineless

Travelogue - Around India

capt_mahajan

A cross pen is a passe' gift, in a way.

However, since booze is out (I would have recommended that, even if he doesnt drink, he may serve, but the OP ruled it out) a cross pen is reasonably appropriate for a boss.

The real estate agent? Cheaper the better, real estate agents will often be fickle anyway, and an expensive gift will set you up as an 'easy' mark.

Maybe a gold cross for the boss and a silver one for the real estate guy?

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Outside the machine

Barryjames

I have to agree with Capt m on this one. Expensive is definitely out and will give the wrong impression.

Something simple like a Brief folder with a suitable card inside. The wording in the card is the most important. Positive friendly but fairly firm.

‘Hope our new working relationship will be positive and advantageous for both of us'.
Something along those lines.

~Advice is something that we ask for when we already have a good idea what the answer is, but we wish that we didn't~

Nick-H

The estate agent will be making a lot of money out of you. Absolutely nothing else required!

The whole male-female thing here is so delicate, that even a smile can easily be misunderstood, though, your boss having worked long-term in USA, should be more aware.

Valini

Dear Jeanne,

I found that appropriate gifts were ones from my local area. I don't have an Indian boss as such but work closely with my companies partners. I knew the boss and his wife were expecting a baby soon so I brought over a small baby toy. If he's married I suggest you also add a small bottle of perfume for the wife. If you get into her good books it'll be a good start. Maybe those small boxes of minis from select desigenrs for 30 euros or so.
Also, consider making a kind of "luxury" hamper of local goods from your home. Ie, my home is near Bordeaux, so despite the whole, they may not drink or eat meat, I took a bottle of St Emillion, a tin of foie gras, some chocolate raisins in sauternes, and a couple of Asterix and Tintin annuas for children. It never fails....

Whatever you give, the thought WILL be appreciated.

Victoria

crvlvr

I could not agree more with Nick's comments.

ChrisJ

Why buy your boss anything at all?

Just be good at your job. Thats all he will want.

...and if you are really good at your job then lets hope he buys YOU a gift!!

** jeanneleez **

I ended up purchasing a nice Waterman pen for my boss and a number of Cross pens for others. One thing I noticed is that most of the Cross pens are made in China now, so... (need I say more)

I ruminated over the MP3/digital camera idea, and decided not to go that route. Everyone has their own ideas regarding those items, and compatibility could be a challenge... I decided an analog pen would be a better option. It's a token of appreciation, not an investment in the relationship (not like buying an engagement ring), so... a pen. Seems to be the item of least resistance and most appreciation.

Thanks!
--Jeanne

bajaj

Some good cigars.