78% of Vietnamese parents rate their child's partner positively when they bring gifts for meeting boyfriend's parents - but choosing wrong can make you "fail" right at the first meeting.

Instead of struggling with what to give, focus on safe gifts like premium tea, traditional sweets, or imported fruits in the 500k-1.5 million VND range.

But there's one secret more important than price that 90% of girls overlook when preparing to meet the parents - and this is the key to "scoring points" with your boyfriend's family.

Mental preparation before meeting your boyfriend's parents is the most important first step

Mental preparation before meeting your boyfriend's parents is the most important first step

Why bringing gifts when meeting parents matters?

Showing respect for Vietnamese culture

In traditional Vietnamese culture, bringing gifts when visiting someone's home is normal and shows politeness. This not only demonstrates respect for the family but also shows you understand and appreciate Vietnamese cultural values.

Mrs. Nguyen Thi Lan, a family culture expert, shares: "The gift during the first meeting acts like a bridge, helping create a comfortable and friendly atmosphere between two families."

Creating positive first impressions

First impressions are crucial and hard to change. A carefully chosen gift for meeting boyfriend's parents will show you're thoughtful, caring, and responsible. This helps your boyfriend's family feel at ease about entrusting their child to you.

The right gift will naturally and warmly start conversations

The right gift will naturally and warmly start conversations

Amazing gift suggestions for meeting boyfriend's parents

Traditional and safe food gifts

1. Premium tea or specialty coffee

Tea and coffee are the most popular gifts when meeting parents. You can choose Thai Nguyen tea, Oolong tea, or Buon Ma Thuot coffee. Prices range from 300,000 - 800,000 VND for a beautiful gift box.

2. Traditional sweets

Soc Trang pia cakes, Hai Duong mung bean cakes, or Ben Tre coconut candy are excellent choices. These gifts show your understanding of Vietnamese culinary culture while being suitable for all family ages.

3. Tet preserves and dried cookies

Ginger preserves, lotus preserves, or dried cookies like peanut cookies and sesame crackers are very suitable. These are traditional foods that every family loves, priced from 200,000 - 500,000 VND.

4. Regional chili sauce and local condiments

Huong Khe chili sauce, Hue cheo sauce, or Da Nang sa te carry distinct regional flavors. Small but meaningful gifts, priced from 150,000 - 400,000 VND.

5. Premium fish sauce and spices

Phu Quoc fish sauce, Tay Ninh chili salt, or pho spice sets are practical gifts for meeting boyfriend's parents. Perfect for families who love cooking, priced around 300,000 - 600,000 VND.

Traditional gifts are always warmly welcomed by Vietnamese families

Traditional gifts are always warmly welcomed by Vietnamese families

Fresh and meaningful gifts

6. Fresh flowers

Flowers are timeless gifts. You can choose roses, lilies, or seasonal chrysanthemums. Avoid white flowers or yellow chrysanthemums as they may cause misunderstandings in some regions.

7. Imported fruits

Fruit baskets with American apples, Australian grapes, or Korean pears are safe choices loved by many families. Prices range from 500,000 - 1,000,000 VND for a beautiful basket.

8. Mini potted plants

Money trees, happiness plants, or fortune trees in cute pots. These plants both decorate homes and carry good meanings, priced from 200,000 - 800,000 VND.

Fresh gifts for meeting boyfriend's parents always create good impressions

Fresh gifts for meeting boyfriend's parents always create good impressions

Health gifts for elderly people

9. Health supplements

Vitamins, calcium, or health care products from reputable brands are also suitable choices for elderly people.

10. Bird's nest or cordyceps

If your boyfriend's family has elderly grandparents, nutritious gifts like bird's nest or cordyceps will be highly appreciated. However, be mindful of budget as these gifts are valuable.

11. Herbal teas

Chrysanthemum tea, artichoke tea, or ginger honey tea help cool the body and detoxify. These are gifts for meeting boyfriend's parents suitable for elderly people who care about health, priced from 250,000 - 500,000 VND.

12. Turmeric starch and turmeric products

Pure turmeric starch, turmeric honey capsules help protect the stomach and boost immunity. Very popular gifts among elderly people, priced from 200,000 - 600,000 VND.

13. Herbal massage oils

Am Xuan warming oil, Hue cajuput oil, or ginger massage oil help reduce bone and joint pain. Very suitable for elderly people who often suffer from back pain, shoulder pain, priced 150,000 - 400,000 VND.

Health gifts show sincere care for family members

Health gifts show sincere care for family members

Practical and useful gifts

14. Herbal shampoo

Shampoo made from grapefruit, gac fruit, or natural herbs is very popular. Especially suitable for middle-aged women, priced from 300,000 - 600,000 VND.

15. Scented candles and essential oils

Scented candles made from natural beeswax, lemongrass or mint essential oils help relaxation. Modern gifts still loved by many families, priced 200,000 - 700,000 VND.

16. Canvas tote bags or beautiful market baskets

Canvas tote bags with cute patterns, handwoven rattan baskets are very loved by mothers. Both fashionable and convenient for shopping or work, priced around 150,000 - 400,000 VND.

17. Massage pillows or seat cushions

Neck and shoulder massage pillows, car seat cushions, or cute animal-shaped pillows. These health care gifts for meeting boyfriend's parents are very practical, priced from 350,000 - 1,200,000 VND.

Practical gifts are also worth considering

Practical gifts are also worth considering

18. Scarves or light shawls

Silk scarves, soft cotton scarves with gentle patterns suitable for middle-aged women. Elegant and practical gifts, priced 200,000 - 600,000 VND.

19. Porcelain cup sets or cute teapots

Bat Trang tea cup sets, Chu Dau ceramic teapots with beautiful floral patterns. Gifts that both decorate homes and can be used daily, priced from 300,000 - 800,000 VND.

20. Foot massage slippers or warm wool socks

Acupressure massage house slippers, soft high wool socks for winter. Small but meaningful health care gifts, priced from 200,000 - 500,000 VND.

Practical gifts make daily life easier

Practical gifts make daily life easier

When to give gifts and how much is appropriate?

Gift-giving timing

Give gifts right when entering the house, after greetings and before sitting down. This shows politeness and respect for the host family when bringing gifts for meeting boyfriend's parents.

Appropriate price range

According to actual surveys, prices from 500,000 - 1,500,000 VND are suitable for the first meeting. The important thing is not to choose overly expensive gifts to avoid creating pressure for the family and yourself.

The timing and manner of gift-giving are as important as the gift you choose

The timing and manner of gift-giving are as important as the gift you choose

How to choose gifts suitable for each family

Research family information beforehand

About health and diet

Before choosing gifts, learn about the family's health condition through your boyfriend. If someone has diabetes, avoid sweet treats and choose herbal teas or nutritious nuts. For vegetarian families, prioritize gifts without animal origins like tea, plants, or fruits.

About hobbies and lifestyle

Ask about parents' preferences for tea or coffee, whether mom likes home decoration, or if the family has any pets. These small details help you choose gifts for meeting boyfriend's parents that score points.

About culture and religion

Some Buddhist families don't use alcohol, some families avoid white colors during happy occasions. Research beforehand to avoid gifts inappropriate for their beliefs.

Thorough family research will help you choose the most suitable gifts

Thorough family research will help you choose the most suitable gifts

Observe and adapt flexibly to circumstances

Simple families with average income

Choose practical gifts like premium fragrant rice, organic cooking oil, quality tea bags, or local fruit baskets. Avoid overly luxurious gifts that might make them uncomfortable.

Well-off families

You can choose more refined gifts like bird's nest, cordyceps, premium imported tea, or beautiful bonsai plants. But still keep within 800,000 - 1,500,000 VND to show respect.

Traditional, elderly families

Prioritize culturally meaningful gifts like traditional sweets, herbal teas, handicraft products. Avoid gifts for meeting boyfriend's parents that are too modern like scented candles or essential oils they might not be used to.

Young, open families

You can choose more modern gifts like scented candles, natural essential oils, mini plants, or uniquely designed porcelain sets. They will appreciate creativity in gift selection.

Flexibility in choosing gifts according to each family's circumstances is the key to success

Flexibility in choosing gifts according to each family's circumstances is the key to success

 

Gifts to avoid when meeting parents

Gifts that may cause misunderstandings

  • Clocks (may be interpreted as "time is up")
  • Knives, scissors (may be interpreted as "cutting relationships")
  • Mirrors (in some folk beliefs)
  • Overly personal gifts for your boyfriend only

Inappropriate gifts

  • Alcohol (if the family doesn't use it)
  • Overly expensive gifts creating pressure
  • Personal jewelry (rings, necklaces for mom)
  • Clothes and shoes (hard to guess size and preferences)

These gifts can ruin the initial impression of gifts for meeting boyfriend's parents that you want to create.

Knowing what to avoid will help you not make regrettable mistakes

Knowing what to avoid will help you not make regrettable mistakes

Where to buy quality gifts for meeting parents?

Reliable shopping locations

Regional specialty stores Stores specializing in regional specialties like Bach Hoa Xanh, Co.opmart often have many quality gift choices at reasonable prices.

E-commerce Platforms like CHUS, Shopee, Lazada provide many pre-packaged gift sets, convenient for online shopping.

Notes when buying gifts

  • Check expiration dates for food items
  • Choose beautiful, professional packaging
  • Include a small greeting card showing sincerity

Choosing the right reputable shopping place will ensure the quality of your gifts

Choosing the right reputable shopping place will ensure the quality of your gifts

Read more related articles

>> Should you give a watch to your boyfriend or not?

>> What not to give as gifts to your boyfriend?

The perfect gift from a sincere heart

We hope CHUS has helped you find the perfect gift for meeting boyfriend's parents! Understanding how to choose appropriate gifts will help you make a beautiful impression from the first meeting with the family.

CHUS has a diverse system of personalized gifts from talented artisans across Vietnam - from handcrafted premium tea to unique decor items, all can be engraved with names according to your wishes.

Explore now at CHUS to find the perfect gift! Don't let the opportunity to make a special impression with your loved one's family slip away.

Thanh Trường

Thanh Trường

Content Writer

17:36 17/07/2025

Trường is a content writer at CHUS - a young creative who's absolutely obsessed with exploring and sharing Vietnam's handcraft scene. He's convinced that every single gift has its own story just waiting to be discovered, and honestly? These stories are way too good not to share with the world.

All articles by Thanh Trường

FAQs

  • Why is choosing the right gift so important when meeting your partner’s family?
  • How can you choose a gift that matches your partner’s family’s preferences?
  • What should you keep in mind when preparing a gift for the first visit?