WE're returning to our favorite place in Italy soon, and want to take a nice gift to our hosts: young, stylish Italians in their early 30s. Can anyone suggest something American that is admired in Italy? Would a baseball cap (Yankees, perhaps) be good or awful, given that the young may often does yard work?
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I know, Amy. I read them all. None of them addressed baseball caps or gifts for attractive young men (brought by a grannie whose kids are all older that the recipient of this gift!)
I was hoping Alice or somebody in Italy would give me a clue about something American that is currently popular there (besides jeans).
quote:Originally posted by Libbie: ... None of them addressed baseball caps or gifts for attractive young men (brought by a grannie whose kids are all older that the recipient of this gift!)
If they are chic and attractive Italian young hunks, I don't think they would like to walk around with a baseball cap/t-shirt with an American logo. I haven't seen one in Venice. Why don't you better ask them? Besides, it all depends where your favorite place in Italy is located. I am sure there must be something they would like from here and may not be precisely a piece of clothing.
"Canto alla vita alla sua bellezza ad ogni sua ferita ogni sua carezza..."
"I sing to life, to its beauty, to each of its wounds and each of its caresses..."
Posts: 1831 | Location: New York, New York | Registered: 21 December 2002
quote:Originally posted by Westsider: If they are chic and attractive Italian young hunks, I don't think they would like to walk around with a baseball cap/t-shirt with an American logo.
I know plenty of very attractive Italians who wear just these things (also stars, singers, coaches, etc., as well as regular everyday people). The grunge look and the sporty look are very popular here.
quote:Originally posted by Westsider: Why don't you better ask them?
Whether or not it would be appropriate to ask them would depend on the nature of the relationship, in my opinion. In most cases I would not recommend asking, as it would remove the surprise element. We have some close Australian friends who always ask if we want something specific from Australia before they come here. By now they know the answer will be Macleans toothpaste. Aside from this one, very special relationship, we have been more than happy to receive the calendars, coasters with pictures of Australian birds, coffee table books and other Australian memorabilia that Aussie friends have brought us. As more than one person has stated regarding this topic, the thought counts.
quote:Originally posted by Cristina: I know plenty of very attractive Italians who wear just these things (also stars, singers, coaches, etc., as well as regular everyday people). The grunge look and the sporty look are very popular here.
Where? In Siena? And with specific American logos or you are referring "in general"? Because that's another story. I thought there are plenty of baseball caps/t-shirts in Italy too. No problem with that. We said before "why bring things that are available in Italy"? Surprises not are always pleasant Anyway, this is just my personal opinion. I am ot going to twist anybody's arm... I don't think there is a prize awaiting us there if people follow OUR advice (yours or mine). People should give gifts at their own risk. I personally prefer to ask so that I don't waste my money. As I said before, it all depends of the type of relationship (friends (close or not close), relatives, etc.)
"Canto alla vita alla sua bellezza ad ogni sua ferita ogni sua carezza..."
"I sing to life, to its beauty, to each of its wounds and each of its caresses..."
Posts: 1831 | Location: New York, New York | Registered: 21 December 2002
We met a young Professor of Archeology who guided us around a dig and a museum in Puglia. When we offered him money for his time and informative descriptions of what we were looking at, he would not accept any. We insisted that he take our offer but he rejected our offers.
Finally, he said: OK then, send me am authentic a Jason Kidd New Jersey Nets (Star Player of the Professional Basketball Team) game shirt! And, we did so--both a home and away shirt. I think that US professional basketball and US professional sports in general, are of great interest to young men in Europe and in Italy. So I would bet that an authentic jersey of a football or basketball star would make a great gift for a young man. By the way these authentic team shirts are fairly expensive, especially when you add a hat to match.
Peter
Posts: 1375 | Location: Essex Fells, NJ and Longboat Key, Florida | Registered: 21 July 2002
quote:Originally posted by Pecepe: Finally, he said: OK then, send me am authentic a Jason Kidd New Jersey Nets (Star Player of the Professional Basketball Team) game shirt! And, we did so--both a home and away shirt. I think that US professional basketball and US professional sports in general, are of great interest to young men in Europe and in Italy. So I would bet that an authentic jersey of a football or basketball star would make a great gift for a young man. By the way these authentic team shirts are fairly expensive, especially when you add a hat to match.
Now, we are talking. That I would give to an Italian that is into sports and collects memorabilia and he is into that type of business. But just an ordinary baseball cap, (made in China to start with) that can be purchased anywhere in the world, no way. I have an idea how chic young guys feel about this. Why, because I have few nephews, American and European that fit the description and when relatives or friends, with all their good heart, give them similar presents I have seen them doing this and then this and - Can't blame them
"Canto alla vita alla sua bellezza ad ogni sua ferita ogni sua carezza..."
"I sing to life, to its beauty, to each of its wounds and each of its caresses..."
Posts: 1831 | Location: New York, New York | Registered: 21 December 2002
Just priced one of those authentic sports team jerseys out for a Christmas gift at $109. Canadian plus taxes and shipping and they do not have his size left in stock! It is for a handsome 24 year old in Canada.
quote:Originally posted by Pecepe: send me am authentic a Jason Kidd New Jersey Nets (Star Player of the Professional Basketball Team) game shirt! Peter
When we have charity auctions for various causes here in St. Louis, an "authentic game shirt" means it was actually WORN in a game by the player. When I read in your post that you sent him the shirts, I thought...HEY, you have that kind of access to the Nets? WOW! Then I realized what you meant was an exact replica of the shirts worn by the player in the games, and made by the company that makes the players official shirts.
Deborah Horn
In a previous life I was an Umbrian sunflower farmer. I'd like to do a past life regression and stay there. ----------------------------------- www.petsburg.com
Posts: 5108 | Location: St. Louis, MO | Registered: 04 September 2001
quote:But just an ordinary baseball cap, (made in China to start with) that can be purchased anywhere in the world, no way.
My $.02....An authentic, "fitted" BB cap, NYY or otherwise is not "ordinary". About $20 US, but you need the correct size. Boston or Chicago (Cubs) are alternatives to Yankees. Or try something more fashion conscious like a Mitchell & Ness throwback cap say 1919 Chicago White Sox (Black Sox Scandal team). These (and other) throwbacks are a Hip Hop fashion statement and may be coveted in Italy, and not just by Sports Fans. Is there Hip Hop in Italy???? Sorry I don't visit but one or two weeks a year and even then in out of the way places.
Posts: 662 | Location: Palmyra, NJ, USA | Registered: 29 July 2003
quote:Originally posted by Moon Shadow: Just priced one of those authentic sports team jerseys out for a Christmas gift at $109.
Tell me about it My grandson (10 yrs.old) is a Yankees' fan and like to collect certain items (I don't want to say, everything) related to them. Here are the places I visit quite often at his request Yankees and Sports. Not to mention the Ferrari stores when I go to Italy The original item already worn by a player is usually a museum piece or donated to charity institutions.
"Canto alla vita alla sua bellezza ad ogni sua ferita ogni sua carezza..."
"I sing to life, to its beauty, to each of its wounds and each of its caresses..."
Posts: 1831 | Location: New York, New York | Registered: 21 December 2002
quote:Originally posted by Brigolante: Another idea is music...not the big names that you can buy in Europe, but the smaller regional bands that don't do a lot of exporting.
That's also a great idea. Music is always well received and appreciated anywhere. A while ago I suggested movie tapes or DVDs. I got a negative response and the reason was that those things were not playable in Europe. I talked about the multi-region DVD players but it seemed that nobody new about their existence. Lately, Barb was asking about what brand to look for in Italy and there were many, many suggestions. Do they exist in Europe now, all of the sudden? That's very good. Then, in that case, I can suggest TV series (like "Sex in the City" for instance) for those chic young Italians. I am sure that being in their 30's they already have a multi-region DVD player. Guys will work overtime in order to be able to buy their electronic equipment, besides the telefonino, the portable stereo, DVD player, etc. and they will be very, very happy to own the DVD set. There are many other TV series and as Alice mentioned before, there are not too many American TV series shown on Italian TV even that people keep asking for them. So, there is another suggestion for a really "cool" American gift. What can be cooler than these New Yorker girls?
"Canto alla vita alla sua bellezza ad ogni sua ferita ogni sua carezza..."
"I sing to life, to its beauty, to each of its wounds and each of its caresses..."
Posts: 1831 | Location: New York, New York | Registered: 21 December 2002
quote:Originally posted by avvocato: My $.02....An authentic, "fitted" BB cap, NYY or otherwise is not "ordinary". About $20 US, but you need the correct size. Boston or Chicago (Cubs) are alternatives to Yankees. Or try something more fashion conscious like a Mitchell & Ness throwback cap say 1919 Chicago White Sox (Black Sox Scandal team). These (and other) throwbacks are a Hip Hop fashion statement and may be coveted in Italy, and not just by Sports Fans. Is there Hip Hop in Italy????.
Of course, there is Hip Hop in Italy and in Europe in general and also the Underground and everything else. And I wasn't talking about the BB cap or any of the ones you've mentioned but the really common ones, like Nike for instance... One of my nephews has about 15 of them (after giving some away). He doesn't collect caps (not even wear them) but every time someone visits he/she brings one. How can he wear a cap when he pays good money to have his Hip Hop haircut done by an Italian? (in Frankfurt)
"Canto alla vita alla sua bellezza ad ogni sua ferita ogni sua carezza..."
"I sing to life, to its beauty, to each of its wounds and each of its caresses..."
Posts: 1831 | Location: New York, New York | Registered: 21 December 2002
quote: I can suggest TV series (like "Sex in the City" for instance) for those chic young Italians - there are not too many American TV series shown on Italian TV - I am sure that being in their 30's they already have a multi-region DVD player.
Sex in the City is already on television in Italy - its is on the "Jimmy station" - Monday-Friday at 20:30. There is also a large number of American TV shows on in Italy - both on the Italian stations and on SKY (which you can watch in Italian or English) - CSI, Will & Grace, Buffy, Law & Order, NFL football, Ally, 24 and the Practice starts Dec.22nd
As to the DVD question, the multi-region DVD is still not that common here in Italy - still takes some searching to find one - it is easy to find one in the UK - as "American" is a second language to the Brits. Remember, if you do bring a USA DVD, it will probably not have Italian as one of the language choices.
Most Italians who have a DVD - even the 30's set - don't have the multi-region - why would they? Most Italians prefer to watch TV in their native language. Even with VHS, unless they bought a new one recently, it will not play NTSC.
quote:Originally posted by Cristina: I know plenty of very attractive Italians who wear just these things (also stars, singers, coaches, etc., as well as regular everyday people). The grunge look and the sporty look are very popular here.
Where? In Siena? And with specific American logos or you are referring "in general"? Because that's another story. I thought there are plenty of baseball caps/t-shirts in Italy too. No problem with that. We said before "why bring things that are available in Italy"? Surprises not are always pleasant
No not only in Siena (Westsider I may live here but I know all of Italy not just this little corner of it). Maybe it is different in Venice as that is the one area that you really know but for the rest of Italy and the other 56 million people, sporty and grunge dressing is popular. As for bringing things here that are already sold here there is a big difference between a Yankee baseball hat that is bought in a stand at the mercato and one that is brought from NY. Bringing Timberland shoes or Levi's isn't the same as bringing an original NY Yankee baseball cap. Do you understand? Bringing Bisquik doesn't even compare. Maybe if it was Bisquik made at the factory that the giver works at but just a box of it purchased at the local Safeway isn't special.
A gift is a gift and will be appreciated no matter what. That is the bottom line. Some things though may be appreciated for a day and others for a lifetime. I give gifts from the heart. My next door neighbors just had a baby and I made them gifts (a pillow spelling out the childs name, a Christmas ornament with her picture inside, a beaded Santa Claus, etc.) I know them and they know me. For my cousins back before I lived here (just visiting twice a year) I would always give things like scented soaps, bed linens, bourbon, jeans, etc. This is what other Americans had told me were good ideas to bring over. Not until I moved did I realize some things. One, beds are different sizes so all of the linens I had given were put away in boxes never to be used. Two bourbon, jeans and the like were readily available here so they weren't as special. When I moved here I started giving things I made (canvas shopping bags with photos of my children or our cousins or other older photos, calenders with family photos, misc. other gifts with family photos as the base)and when I would visit the US I would bring back things from where I visited so lots of Cable Car or Golden Gate bridge Ghirardelli Chocolate containers, tee shirts and caps with SF and the Golden Gate Bridge. I do have friends who asked for specific things from the states and I bring those items but do not classify them as gifts per se so also bring back a gift. BTW, if I ask someone what they want I do not consider it a gift so I get what they need and then I get them a gift.
quote: Surprises not are always pleasant
But see this is not the way I feel. I think surprises are great.
quote:Originally posted by Westsider: Then, in that case, I can suggest TV series (like "Sex in the City" for instance) for those chic young Italians. I am sure that being in their 30's they already have a multi-region DVD player.
Here you would be wrong. Many of the people I know do not have a DVD player or if they do it is a standard one not multiregion since most of the people I know are Italians who speak Italian so there is no reason to buy American language DVDs. Also, while I love SatC, I know otheres who find it revolting. Personally I think movies, tv, music and art are very personal choices that people make and I would never want to push my likes on someone else.
quote:Guys will work overtime in order to be able to buy their electronic equipment, besides the telefonino, the portable stereo, DVD player, etc. and they will be very, very happy to own the DVD set.
Again, from the people I know here in Tuscany, Piemonte, Sicily and Umbria this is very wrong. Especially for 30 something Italians who need to be able to afford their house first before splurging on electronics. Sure everyone would like to have all of the fancy stuff (not just men by the way)but most people do have priorities. Every Italian I know puts aside money either for their first house or for their vacations. As for working overtime, maybe you should read up on Italian work conditions first. It isn't like overtime in the US.
quote:There are many other TV series and as Alice mentioned before, there are not too many American TV series shown on Italian TV even that people keep asking for them.
Sorry but American tv shows are all over the TV. The problem is that some shows get cancelled. There are current series of almost all of NBC shows as well as HBO, ABC, etc. And again, buying DVDs from the states will get English language shows with maybe French or Spanish as other languages. Useless for someone who doesn't speak English pretty well.
Well I think this topic has really covered all the ground it can so maybe we should move on.
Folks, thanks for the discussion. I think the topic has been pretty well covered by this point. If anyone wishes to continue it amongst yourselves, feel free to do it privately.
Libbie, I do hope that you aren't paralyzed by indecision by this point! In these situations, I think a gift given with good cheer and kind intentions will be received in the same way, no matter what it is. A cap from your home team would be a thoughtful token of appreciation.
Amy in MA "Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us, or we find it not." --Ralph Waldo Emerson
Posts: 8838 | Location: Newton (outside Boston), MA | Registered: 17 June 2001
Topic Closed
Anyway, this is just my personal opinion. I am ot going to twist anybody's arm... I don't think there is a prize awaiting us there if people follow OUR advice (yours or mine). People should give gifts at their own risk. I personally prefer to ask so that I don't waste my money. As I said before, it all depends of the type of relationship (friends (close or not close), relatives, etc.) 
and then this 
- Can't blame them 
