- Jul 28, 2025
What Makes Vietnamese Souvenirs Perfect for Each Culture?
Giving a clock to someone from China or scissors to a Japanese person are real cultural disasters when choosing Vietnamese souvenirs.
Every country has its own taboos about gifts - from colors to symbolic meanings - which can turn your thoughtful present into bad luck instead of good wishes.
Understanding gift-giving culture is the most subtle way to become a cultural "ambassador" while helping Vietnamese products shine in the right way.
So how do you choose Vietnamese souvenirs that your international friends will truly treasure?
How to choose appropriate Vietnamese souvenirs based on recipients' nationality
Why consider nationality when choosing gifts?
Gift-giving cultures differ between countries
Each culture has different ways of receiving gifts. In Japan, beautiful gift wrapping is as important as the gift itself. Japanese people pay special attention to the presentation, often using both hands and bowing slightly when receiving gifts.
On the contrary, Chinese people strongly avoid gifts in even numbers (especially the number 4) because they're considered unlucky. They also avoid giving clocks because the phrase "giving a clock" sounds like "funeral farewell" in Chinese.
In European countries like Germany or the Netherlands, people prefer practical gifts that can be used daily. They value quality over flashy appearance.
Each culture has its own gift-giving rules that you should understand
Avoid regrettable cultural mistakes
What to avoid with Asian people:
- Don't give clocks to Chinese people because "giving a clock" sounds like "funeral farewell" in Chinese
- Avoid giving knives or scissors to Japanese people as they symbolize "cutting off" relationships
- Don't give gifts in sets of 4 to Korean and Japanese people because the number 4 sounds like "death"
- Avoid giving umbrellas to Chinese people because "umbrella" sounds like "separation" or "breaking up"
What to avoid with Europeans:
- Avoid giving chrysanthemums to French people and most Europeans because these flowers are used at funerals
- Don't give yellow flowers to Germans because they symbolize farewell or betrayal
What to avoid with South Asian and Middle Eastern people:
- Don't give leather goods to Hindu Indians because they consider cows sacred
- Avoid giving alcohol or pork products to Muslims
- Avoid animal patterns (especially pigs and dogs) when choosing Vietnamese souvenirs for Indians and people from Muslim countries
General color rules:
- Avoid white, black, or blue wrapping paper in Asia because they're associated with funerals
- Italians avoid black and yellow because they're related to funerals, while purple brings bad luck
- In South America, avoid black and purple because they're associated with death and religious ceremonies
Avoid mistakes that could turn your gift into a cultural "disaster"
Guide to choosing Vietnamese souvenirs by geographical region
Asia: Subtle and deeply meaningful
Japan
Japanese people especially love gifts that show subtlety and respect. Hand-embroidered silk scarves or traditional Vietnamese embroidered paintings are excellent choices. They also appreciate products that can be used in tea ceremonies like ceramic tea cups or linen table runners.
Important note: Always wrap gifts carefully and avoid white paper (funeral color). Choose soft pastel wrapping paper.
South Korea
Koreans highly value handicrafts and gifts that can be displayed. Hand-embroidered paintings depicting beautiful Vietnamese scenery or Bat Trang ceramic products will be highly appreciated. They also like gifts that can be photographed and shared on social media.
China
Red and gold are lucky colors for Chinese people. Handwoven bamboo products, red silk scarves, or embroidered paintings with dragon and phoenix patterns are very popular. When choosing Vietnamese souvenirs, avoid white or black items.
Thailand and Singapore
Thai and Singaporean people are very open to diverse cultures. They like gifts with bright colors and unique designs. Embroidered paintings of tropical landscapes, embroidered handbags, or small bamboo lanterns are all suitable Vietnamese souvenirs.
Malaysia and Indonesia
Due to large Muslim populations, some people may prefer decorative products with floral patterns or geometric designs rather than clear human figures. Elegant silk scarves, handcrafted wooden items with abstract patterns, or woven bamboo products will be safe choices and positively received.
Asia appreciates subtlety and gifts with deep meaning
You might also like: 9 Vietnamese gifts for Japanese people: A cultural journey through gifts
Europe: Natural and sustainable
France
French people highly value art and handicrafts. Products made from bamboo, rattan, or traditional Vietnamese embroidered paintings will delight them. Especially, they love gifts with cultural stories behind them.
Germany and Nordic countries
Germans and Nordic people prefer practicality and sustainability. Bamboo products like storage baskets, tea trays, or bamboo decorative lamps will be very suitable. They're particularly concerned about the origin and production methods of products.
Italy and Spain
Southern Europeans love warmth and intimacy. Brightly colored silk scarves, embroidered paintings of everyday Vietnamese life, or ceramic home decorations will be warmly welcomed.
England and Ireland
British and Irish people treasure tradition and history. Embroidered paintings depicting ancient Vietnamese landscapes, handcrafted wooden products, or linen-covered notebooks will be loved as Vietnamese souvenirs.
Europeans prefer practical and environmentally friendly gifts
Americas: Unique and story-driven
United States
Americans like unique gifts with strong cultural identity. Miniature ao dai decorations, small conical hats, or compact lacquer paintings are all wonderful Vietnamese souvenirs. They often place these gifts in their workspace or living room as decorations.
Canada
Similar to Americans, Canadians also like cultural diversity. However, they care more about environmental friendliness. Bamboo, rattan, or linen products as Vietnamese souvenirs will be very popular.
Brazil and Argentina
South Americans love liveliness and colors. Embroidered paintings with bright tones, silk scarves with butterfly or flower patterns, along with small silver jewelry will suit their enthusiastic personality.
Americans like unique gifts with interesting stories
Middle East and South Asia: Traditional and religious
India
Indians greatly treasure handcrafted gifts. Embroidered paintings, silk scarves, or small wooden statues will be good choices. However, avoid leather products and black color (unlucky color).
Middle Eastern countries (UAE, Saudi Arabia)
In Middle Eastern countries, due to strong religious traditions, people often prefer decorative products with geometric patterns and stylized designs. Silk scarves with abstract patterns, bamboo decorative lamps, or products with intricate patterns will be very suitable and highly appreciated.
Israel and Turkey
Due to their East-West mixed culture, Israeli and Turkish people are quite open to various types of gifts. Landscape embroidered paintings, small ceramic products, or silk scarves with delicate patterns are all positively received.
Religious culture greatly influences gift selection in this region
You might also like: What to give foreigners? 25+ most loved Vietnamese gifts & important notes
Most popular Vietnamese souvenirs
Top trending products on CHUS
Traditional hand-embroidered paintings Embroidered paintings are the most loved gifts by foreigners. Especially paintings of beautiful Vietnamese scenery like Ha Long Bay, Hoi An ancient town, or girls in ao dai.
Woven bamboo products Storage baskets, tea trays, bamboo decorative lamps are very popular among foreigners because they're environmentally friendly. Prices range from 150,000 - 500,000 VND.
Silk scarves Vietnamese silk scarves with traditional patterns or famous landscapes are always safe choices for all recipients.
Bat Trang ceramics Compact ceramic products like tea cups and decorative plates are very suitable as Vietnamese souvenirs.
Top Vietnamese handicraft products most loved by international friends
Expert advice on gift-giving culture
Research before buying
Before choosing gifts, learn about the recipient: which region of their country they're from, what religious beliefs they have, what their personal preferences are. This helps you choose truly meaningful gifts.
Pay attention to packaging
Packaging is as important as the gift itself. Asians usually appreciate beautiful gift wrapping, while Westerners prefer simplicity and environmental friendliness.
Include meaningful wishes
A small handwritten card with sincere wishes will greatly increase the gift's value. Briefly explain the gift's meaning and why you chose it.
Packaging and presentation are as important as the gift inside
Anyone can become a cultural ambassador
Choosing appropriate gifts based on nationality is the art of gift-giving and a way for each of us to become small cultural ambassadors. This is a golden time to share Vietnam's beauty with international friends, while each consumer has the opportunity to become part of the global cultural connection story.
Every carefully chosen gift shows subtlety and opens wonderful cultural exchange opportunities. CHUS, with its collection of "Made in Vietnam" handicraft products, will be an opportunity for you to easily join this journey while bringing yourself truly meaningful Vietnamese souvenir shopping experiences!
FAQs
-
Why should you avoid giving a watch to someone from China?
-
Is it appropriate to give embroidered paintings to Japanese people?
-
What kind of souvenirs do Europeans usually prefer?
-
Why should you avoid giving a watch to someone from China?
-
Is it appropriate to give embroidered paintings to Japanese people?
-
What kind of souvenirs do Europeans usually prefer?
