I apologize if this is not the correct place to post this. My boyfriend lives in Budapest and I'm American. I'm traveling to see him in two weeks and I am meeting his mother. That part is fine, but are there any Hungarians out there that can suggest an appropriate gift to bring? I've learned some Hungarian where I can get by, but I would really like to try to make an impression.

Any advice?

Thank You

You should ask him !

That is the only useful advice since he knows her and we don't . . .

I wouldn't be posting here if that wasn't the first person I asked.

Smooth Kentucky bourbon is welcome the world over.

A box of really fine chocolates or chocolate truffles. Even better if there is a fine, local chocolatier near you. You can hand pick the ones you want and have them wrapped nicely with info about the chocolatier.

A wool scarf.

I'd bring a silk scarf and the best chocolates made in your home town.

'Smooth Kentucky bourbon is welcome the world over.'

Not here. You would convey the idea she is an alcoholic.

Ok. So I discussed it with my wife and daughter.
Answers are - apart from 'flowers'
- a coffin
- toothpaste (in case)
- diapers (in case)
- anti-perspirant...

No very useful. Now to our defense I'd say we're happily married and both of us are happier when we don't see our in-laws.

My idea was to come with a pic of you and your boyfriend in front of something US typical. But ask your friend...

I think it's nice to bring a specialty from your home town or region if there is one...

Maple syrup from New England, hazelnuts from Oregon, smoked salmon from PNW, a bottle of wine if your area produces that, etc.

I like the idea of a scarf either silk, wool or cashmere if it fits your budget. A pashmina might be another idea. Plus a nice box of chocolates. suze's idea is good too. I wouldn't worry too much about it as it really is true that it's the thought that counts.

When I visited my friend in Lithuania for the first and only time, both her sister in law and mother liked the scarfs, hard candies and candles I brought. I am sure her mother would have a liked a bottle of Jack Daniels better but I only thought of it after seeing how much strong liquor her parents drank. It would have been different for them and I know enjoyed. Its on the list for next time as boy we had a great time!

The best thing you can give her is your assurance that you won't take her son to the US and leave her alone a continent away.

'Smooth Kentucky bourbon is welcome the world over.'

"Not here. You would convey the idea she is an alcoholic."

I'll bring you some Jim Beam next time I go to Paris. Such considerations will fade to zero.

Deal.

I find museum shops offer some wonderful gifts.

Be practical - carrying a bottle of liquor to Budapest is silly.

Local gifts are always nice too.

Is she younger or older? That might make a difference -- 40 vs 70.

<Be practical - carrying a bottle of liquor to Budapest is silly.>

My friends in Switerland loved it when I brought a bottle of Washington State wine. Not that they don't have fabulous wine in Switzerland.

> I wouldn't be posting here if that wasn't the first person I asked.

Did you ask him she drinks?, of she likes alcohol ? I ask as many recommendations above for whisky and wine....

of she likes alcohol ?

IF she likes alcohol

> but are there any Hungarians out there that can suggest ...

If you want a suggestion from Hungarians, post yout questions on Tripwdvisor's Budapest forum. There are many or at least some there. None here that I have noticed.