# Going to meet SO's parents, what should I take? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 30, 2012, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-meet-sos-parents-what-should-i-take/617285 "2012-03-30T15:20:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Dervorin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/eb8c5e/32.png) [@Dervorin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dervorin)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2012, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-meet-sos-parents-what-should-i-take/617285/1 "2012-03-30T15:20:16Z")
I seem to have accidentally acquired a Swiss SO (it’s a complicated story) and I’m going to be staying at her parents’ place over Easter, where she lives. I’ll be staying there for 4 days, and while I have met them before, (and in fact stayed there for a day) I wasn’t quite sure what I should take them, and I’m still unsure. That’s where you come in. Last time I took them some chocolate and wine, and I could always do that again, seeing as they like wine, and her mom loves chocolate. But other suggestions welcome! Tiny pig? Boxful of London air? Frozen lemon juice? Seriously, though, what would be an appropriate present? Any and all guidance gratefully welcomed. This is a new situation for me! ---
**Author:** ![perfectparanoia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a5b964/32.png) [@perfectparanoia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/perfectparanoia)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2012, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-meet-sos-parents-what-should-i-take/617285/2 "2012-03-30T15:24:33Z")
I have several friends who have SOs from other cultures. They always bring something that the person cannot get at home. Not sure what that would be from London to Switzerland though. ---
**Author:** ![PacifistPorcupine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/7ea924/32.png) [@PacifistPorcupine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PacifistPorcupine)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2012, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-meet-sos-parents-what-should-i-take/617285/3 "2012-03-30T15:25:24Z")
I would take a box of condoms to demonstrate that you are responsible, as well as a large collection of sex toys to show that you can keep things lively. ---
**Author:** ![Dervorin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/eb8c5e/32.png) [@Dervorin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dervorin)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2012, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-meet-sos-parents-what-should-i-take/617285/4 "2012-03-30T15:39:10Z")
> [@perfectparanoia](#): > > I have several friends who have SOs from other cultures. They always bring something that the person cannot get at home. > > Not sure what that would be from London to Switzerland though. As it happens, I’m Indian, though I live in London. Something food-related, do you think? Indian food tends to be a bit too much for many Swiss people to take; I’ve had several Swiss friends turn into sweating, bright red balls of fiery pain through the simple application of a mild Indian meal. Indian sweets might be interesting, though. Thanks for the idea! > [@PacifistPorcupine](#): > > I would take a box of condoms to demonstrate that you are responsible, as well as a large collection of sex toys to show that you can keep things lively. Excellent. We’re past the condom stage, but I can always take a huge box with me. Should I also include some kinky stuff? Handcuffs and a gimp mask, perhaps? “Hello, Mr. G, E and I will just go to her room to… have a nap. Yes, a nap. Fluffy pink handcuffs? What fluff… oh, THOSE fluffy pink handcuffs? They’re in case I met any criminal rabbits in her room.” ---
**Author:** ![Chessic\_Sense](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7c8e57/32.png) [@Chessic\_Sense](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chessic_Sense)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2012, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-meet-sos-parents-what-should-i-take/617285/5 "2012-03-30T15:39:20Z")
> [@Dervorin](#): > > Seriously, though, what would be an appropriate present? Any and all guidance gratefully welcomed. This is a new situation for me! Flowers for her mother. They love that. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2012, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-meet-sos-parents-what-should-i-take/617285/6 "2012-03-30T15:46:00Z")
Valium, 10 mg. ---
**Author:** ![Dervorin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/eb8c5e/32.png) [@Dervorin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dervorin)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2012, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-meet-sos-parents-what-should-i-take/617285/7 "2012-03-30T15:56:25Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > Valium, 10 mg. For me, or for them? ---
**Author:** ![barbararappele](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/bbe5ce/32.png) [@barbararappele](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/barbararappele)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2012, 3:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-meet-sos-parents-what-should-i-take/617285/8 "2012-03-30T15:56:45Z")
A Bible is always a great gift. ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2012, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-meet-sos-parents-what-should-i-take/617285/9 "2012-03-30T16:15:19Z")
Flowers for her mother. Can you find out a little bit more about her hobbies? I mean, if she’s a gardner you could bring a plant, or something. I wouldn’t bring Indian sweets unless you know they are the adventurous sorts in food. ---
**Author:** ![Mrs.Cake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/2acd7d/32.png) [@Mrs.Cake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mrs.Cake)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2012, 5:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-meet-sos-parents-what-should-i-take/617285/10 "2012-03-30T17:23:08Z")
Why not make up an easter basket with the wine & chocolate you know they like, and sprinkle in a few more adventurous sweets, like the Indian candies. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2012, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-meet-sos-parents-what-should-i-take/617285/11 "2012-03-30T17:40:48Z")
A Fabergé Easter egg. You know they’ll be impressed. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2012, 5:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-meet-sos-parents-what-should-i-take/617285/12 "2012-03-30T17:43:55Z")
If poppa likes whiskey, bring a nice bottle of a good American whiskey for him. I’ve never had that go wrong for me. As stated above, flowers for mom are never bad, and if you have some idea of her hobbies and something that she would probably have difficulty getting out there, bring that, too. ---
**Author:** ![zoid](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zoid/32/336_2.png) [@zoid](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zoid)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2012, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-meet-sos-parents-what-should-i-take/617285/13 "2012-03-30T17:44:54Z")
18"dhibjd ---
**Author:** ![tim\_duncan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/3bc359/32.png) [@tim\_duncan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tim_duncan)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2012, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-meet-sos-parents-what-should-i-take/617285/14 "2012-03-30T17:52:41Z")
Xanax Just don’t drink any alcohol with it… ---
**Author:** ![cuberdon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/45deac/32.png) [@cuberdon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cuberdon)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2012, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-meet-sos-parents-what-should-i-take/617285/15 "2012-03-30T18:22:38Z")
Are you traveling to Switzerland? Sorry, it’s a little unclear from the initial post. Chocolate may not be the best idea, given how much high quality stuff Switzerland manufactures & exports. Another vote for flowers for Mom, for bringing something uniquely British or Indian, and also for asking your SO for some guidance. ---
**Author:** ![Count\_Blucher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2012, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-meet-sos-parents-what-should-i-take/617285/16 "2012-03-30T18:36:25Z")
> [@Dervorin](#): > > Should I also include some kinky stuff? Handcuffs and a gimp mask, perhaps? No, the Swiss SO usually comes with dozens of handy tools and gadgets that would make carrying all these things obsolete. ---
**Author:** ![Dervorin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/eb8c5e/32.png) [@Dervorin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dervorin)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2012, 6:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-meet-sos-parents-what-should-i-take/617285/17 "2012-03-30T18:36:51Z")
> [@cuberdon](#): > > Are you traveling to Switzerland? Sorry, it’s a little unclear from the initial post. > > Chocolate may not be the best idea, given how much high quality stuff Switzerland manufactures & exports. Another vote for flowers for Mom, for bringing something uniquely British or Indian, and also for asking your SO for some guidance. You’re right; I should have specified this! Current configuration: ```auto **London Switzerland** Dervorin SO + Mom + Dad ``` Future configuration (during Easter): ```auto **London Switzerland** (Emptiness, much weeping) Dervorin + SO + Mom + Dad ``` I’ve been working too much; it’s starting to rot my brain! SO is useless in this regard, I’m afraid. I already asked, and all I got was a very expressive shrug and a confused look. It’s new to her as well, it would seem. I will try the hobbies angle again, and ask her to rack the ol’ noggin. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2012, 6:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-meet-sos-parents-what-should-i-take/617285/18 "2012-03-30T18:38:35Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > If poppa likes whiskey, bring a nice bottle of a good American whiskey for him. I’ve never had that go wrong for me. As stated above, flowers for mom are never bad, and if you have some idea of her hobbies and something that she would probably have difficulty getting out there, bring that, too. Ack. Totally glossed over the UK part. Change my suggestion to nice bottle of Scotch or some similar liquor, preferably one with limited or no availability in Switzerland, if dad drinks. ---
**Author:** ![DMark](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@DMark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DMark)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2012, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-meet-sos-parents-what-should-i-take/617285/19 "2012-03-30T18:49:27Z")
I lived in Berlin and used to work in Switzerland during the summers. There probably isn’t much you could schlep from London that would impress Swiss - it is not like they are a Third World country and can’t get whatever you have in London. Chances are also good they do not usually spoon Vegemite nor Curry on their granola. I would wait until I got to Switzerland, go to the best flower/chocolate shops and buy something you know mom will like and appreciate. For dad you can probably buy a good bottle of wine and that would be irrelevant from which country. Welcome to the problem of bringing gifts to another country. I started to run out of ideas for my parents when I went from Germany to the US, and now we have problems trying to think of things to send to family and friends in Germany. Gotta love world commerce - pretty much everything is available everywhere. ---
**Author:** ![Lukeinva](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lukeinva/32/17872_2.png) [@Lukeinva](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lukeinva)\ **Post date:** [March 30, 2012, 7:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-meet-sos-parents-what-should-i-take/617285/20 "2012-03-30T19:06:04Z")
If someone from London was visiting me I’d be hoping they’d bring John Courage, Pims, and several wedges of British cheddar. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/going-to-meet-sos-parents-what-should-i-take/617285.md?page=2)