Appreciation Gift
 

We are travelling to Buenos Aires. A friend of ours has introduced us via email to a local businessman. In turn, the local businessman would like to introduce us to several of his business associates. We would like to bring 1) a really nice gift for the local businessman and 2) several small gifts for the business associates.

I want to make sure I do not offend the individuals who I am meeting. I have heard that bringing a wine from the United States as a gift is an insult. I have also heard that Chocolate and even Starbucks coffee make good gifts. Any assistance would be very appreciated. Thank you.

They have Starbucks all over the city .. they also sell Chocolate from all over the world here..

This is difficult, since you are buying for people that you don't know.. would it be possible to take them out to dinner?

I was not aware that wine from the US is an insult but I bet wine from France would be appreciated lol ...
I wonder if you could buy restaurant gift certificates here, that might be good .. sorry, we don't have to do things like this anymore .. so I can't think of anything more.

It is very nice of you to want to do this though, I am sure whatever you do, they will appreciate it.. Porteños are very polite and generous people.

Even though chocolate from all over the world is available in most places - a gift of some handmade chocolates from your city/town/suburb would be appreciated (I know I would like some) This is just a token after all...

People in Argentina are proud of their local wine - but if they appreciate wine, they will appreciate a fine wine from any country - and the consideration you are talking by bringing a gift.

Good luck!

Unusual food or candy unique to your regional area

not commonly available in Argentina that travels well

would be the best choice for me.

If the businessman is a drinker.. a bottle of single barrel bourbon can be a nice gift (no Jack Daniels - it's widely available) or a nice scotch. Imported liquor is very pricey in Argentina.

Or, an Ipod shuffle makes a great gift -- if that's your price range. The refurbished shuffles are $39 at the online Apple Store (they look and play as brand new).