bring a housewarming gift or not

Traditionally it's always appropriate (used to be expected) that you bring something like a tin of biscuits or some oranges when visiting anyone.


Nowadays, people are much more casual about visits and no one would think anything if you didn't bring anything.


I think flowers, wine, chocolate, candy would be very tasteful for a "modern" family. You have to think about how close you are to these friends. If you buy something too expensive, they might feel embarassed to accept it. So, if you want to give them a typical "housewarming" present as we have in the West (like something for the house), don't go over the top. Traditionally, Chinese would not buy something for the house but bring food.


Some things that are considered "unlucky" so don't give them: knives (cuts friendship bonds), clocks (sounds like a word used in funerals), White flowers and especially white Chrysanthenum and white Mum flowers are NOT appropriate. White flowers (especially Chrystanthenum and Mums are a funeral flower.)


Also, don't be surprised if they take your present and put it away and you never see them open it or the cookies/sweets aren't served that day. It's considered rude to open a gift in front of the gift giver. It makes them look like they care more about the gift than the gift giver. If they are super busy that day, they might not have the time to open the gift behind closed doors thus you won't see the food etc. put on the table.


Of course, if they are a very Westernized Chinese couple, they'll just do what is appropriate in front of someone Western and that is to open the gift in front of them. etc. etc.

unless you definitely and surely know their design taste, then take something as a housewarming token like a bottle of wine, or fruit basket as suggested.


ps. if you are intent on bringing something beside fruit and wine, remember don't give any clocks.

Depending on the generation, fruit baskets are a bit old-fashioned now. Chocolate and nice designer biscuits are always welcome with a younger generation. (i.e. Below 50 years old.)