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Polish gift giving customs, what to give bacia (grandmother) and other customs in Poland


Iza22  4 | 13  
15 May 2017 /  #1
Hello all.
I'll be going to Poland in the near future and I plan to visit some family whilst there, my mum mentioned that there's a gift giving custom in Poland where the guest is usually expected to come with flowers and a bottle of wine or chocolates. I plan to visit my Babcia who is 84, what would I bring? I've never met her. I'd say she's too old for wine or chocolate but just flowers feels too bare. What about when visiting cousins (30-40yo), am I still expected to come with gifts or is it only old people? What price range should the flowers/wine/chocolates be in?

And what customs are expected of me when visiting my god parents? Any suggestions would be great! Thanks in advance
Atch  21 | 4141  
15 May 2017 /  #2
I know that the oldies in my husband's family always appreciate a nice item of warm clothing such as a cozy dressing gown (if you're American I think you call it a bath robe). I think you should bring something for the cousins but at their age, it's a bit tricky as they probably have quite specific tastes. All Poles love flowers though so you should be safe with them, a really nice arrangement from a good flower shop. You could get something nice for 50zl or you could get a plant that they can keep and remember you by :)) Poles also generally love house plants and usually have lots of them. If they have kids you could bring something for them too. Wouldn't have a clue about the godparents I'm afraid. Wine, there's loads of cheapish ones but you should budget for around 40zl upwards for a nice one. The men generally prefer vodka. You can't go wrong with Zubrowka.
Harry  
15 May 2017 /  #3
I plan to visit my Babcia who is 84, what would I bring?

Tea, in a nice presentation tin.
OP Iza22  4 | 13  
15 May 2017 /  #4
Oh I love both ideas of getting house plants and tea, I know I would appreciate both of those. I love both house plants and tea haha.

And thank you for the budget estimation, gives me an idea of what to look out for :)
Atch  21 | 4141  
15 May 2017 /  #5
Oh yes, the tea is a great idea. Poles love tea and there are several lovely tea shops selling lots of different blends including gift packs of a few different blends. They also sell decorative tea caddies, you could even add a nice bone china teacup and saucer or a little tea pot.
jon357  72 | 22812  
15 May 2017 /  #6
gift packs of a few different blends

A nice idea. Remember to get weaker rather than stronger types since it will be drunk without milk.

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