I am Russian and I think some suggestions here are ridiculous. I still remember old days when we laughed at stupid americans sending us egg-powder and buckwheat.

1. Russians will be offended if you give them socks or razors - these items are cheap and available everywhere. In general, avoid giving something that would imply that they are poor.

2. Perfume is always a good present for a woman. So is a make-up. Just make sure it is really a good quality and a brand name, like Channel, otherwise they will thank you and will never use it.

3. Bijouterie might be good for a teenage girl but a woman will never wear fake gold or stones.

4. About food - Russians like natural products and, generally, prefer Russian-made food since it is usually made from natural products and is of better quality than Western food. Do not give any food as present

5. Guides do not expect a souvenir from you. They expect cash tips. About $20-50 for an individual guide for a whole day work is the standard in Moscow.

If you have more questions about anything in Moscow, just ask.

Good to hear from a Russian, Anjulis. I heard from Russian friends a while ago that appreciated gifts would be a (small) bottle of 'western' alcohol (Scotch whiskey, French Eau de Vie) or toiletries (Body Shop, Yves Rocher, Max Factor) or. True or not?

True. Of course, you do not give alcohol to a woman :).

Dear Anjulis,

I remember the old days when we sent care packages to our friends and relatives in Russia and they *didn't* laugh.

What I'm going tell is not what I took to but what I received from a Russian. Sometime ago I invited my volleyball team mates for a dinner at my flat. One of them was a Russian guy from St.Petersbourg, very intelligent and well educated. He brought a bottle of Vodka of Smirnoff brand (his name was Mishca Smirnoff!). He also got from his wife Olga for me, a pillcase tipically lacquered russian style. This was a little gem but I was so surprised to hear that his wife had made it herself, that made the value of this gift so much more. Next time I see them, I hope to offer them something nearly as thoughtful as the one they gave me(not the Vodka bottle ;-)).

Why not think what you would give to a friend or aquaintance at home.
I imagine that you wouldn't give socks etc.
The stationary idea is fine especially something like notelets with pictures of your local area. Perhaps you have a local craftsman who produces small attractive items.

When I was there in '95 the men liked nice cigars (El RoiTan won't hack it!). Is that still the case? I've read that Russians are really into their smokes.