Any suggestions on what I could bring for my in-laws and family when I arrive in US?

[Mrs.FC 2]

Arriving for the first time in US this november, just wanted to ask for suggestions on what Filipino foods "pasalubong" I could bring for my in-laws and family? I want to give them something that isn't available in US if that is possible. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[tomatoboy 33]

First and foremost, you'll be challenged by what you can bring and get through customs. US CBP is fussy about a lot of products. My personal advice based on my own prior trips back and forth, and watching others go through customs from flights originating in the Philippines, would be to select packaged goods that are factory sealed, have nutritional facts on them, etc... In other words, something that looks like you bought it in a major grocery chain store. It minimizes their fuss. Anything homemade or that looks homemade is going to cause problems. And then of course, just about anything you can find that meets those requirements is available in a major US city since Filipinos make up a decent portion of our immigrant population here.

So... We should probably start with some more information about your in-laws. Where in the US are they located? California? What is their cultural/ethnic background? Does your spouse have any input on what they like? Knowing that, I'm sure somebody can come up with a recommendation.

That said, unless your in-laws are Filipino (or maybe Japanese or from another culture that exchanges small gifts upon travel), they may be somewhat confused by the tradition (my predominantly eastern and northern European family was when I explained it), so the whole experience isn't *that* important to nail. They'll appreciate pretty much anything if they're good people, as they just want to see you.

Edited November 1, 2016 by tomatoboy

[tomatoboy 33]

I should also note, don't obnoxiously careful packaging anything you bring. My wife and I over-wrapped some Goldilocks products (I didn't have the heart at the time to tell her I can buy them down the street) and it looked suspicious to CBP, so I got treated to a full-bag search at Newark. Over cookies. We all had an awkward laugh before I repacked and left.

Oh, and think light. Unless you are traveling on a US-based airline at least part of the trip, your baggage allowance is probably fairly low, usually around 25 pounds per pag. It may vary if a leg is on United, or perhaps American or Delta. I tick off Asiana frequently because I get to fly with United's baggage allowance no matter if a leg is on Asiana (or Cathay, for that matter) and United's allowance is 2-3x what most Asia-based airlines allow.

Edited November 1, 2016 by tomatoboy

[Unlockable 7,315]

Be careful! Customs may not allow you to bring in certain foods. I've seen plenty of people have to throw away items when arriving in the US.

[mattmatt 1]

I brought a bottle of wine from California & Godiva chocolates when I met my in-laws. But then again my situation is different because I am the USC and I was traveling out of the US, so there was no customs concerns. (Not that you can't bring wine or chocolates into the US.)

I would just like to mention something that might be a little culturally insensitive or stereotypical so I apologize if it comes across that way, but in the spirit of friendly dialog: If you are considering bringing in specialty food items from the Philippines, it's quite possible that your fiancé's parents will not like that style of cuisine. I'm not sure what the ethnic background of your fiancé is, but especially if they are white, this is something to consider: Anecdotally, I would estimate that more than half of the white Americans that I know do not like ethnic food, except for styles that are very "Americanized".

Finally, I don't think your fiancé's parents will expect a gift. It's not a big deal if you show up empty handed. If they are good people, they will be more concerned with making YOU feel welcome.

[Ben&Zian 4,398]

If you are going to California especially(depending on specific city), there is a large in general Asian population as well as Filipinos.

Like stated above a lot of the stuff you probably would be able to bring with oyu would already be available here in one of the Asian/Filipino grocery stores.

U.S. customs indeed does not like people bringing in certain food items.

[mattmatt 1]

For best gift ideas for your fiance's parents, your fiance should be able to give you some real tips on what they like. He knows them best of all. When I visited my in-laws for the first time, I asked my fiancee, and she said that they enjoy wine & chocolate. Easy gifts... I'm lucky. Some people are much harder to shop for.

[russandraquel 86]

You can buy most of what you need here stateside. The one item that we have found difficult to get is Magic Sarap seasoning. You can order it online, but bring a bundle (10 or so) of small packages, because it is CHEAP in Phils.

Here in the US, buy cabbage (pechay), onions, carrots, oil, and "egg roll wrappers".

Cook lumpia with magic sarap seasoning and deep fry it in the egg roll wrappers.

All of my friends rave about this. We have eaten terrible cheap chinese egg rolls all our lives, and you will impress everyone with your amazing egg roll making skills.

[Randyandyuni 2,682]

My fiancé brought my family scarves and wraps from the Philippines, they were all impressed with the colorful fabric and delicate material

[jasper383 23]

Bring them some Balut and see how that goes over

[Brassballs 47]

Case of Emperidor Premium would be nice.

If you want them to learn Filipino Cooking don't forget Magic Sarap and Bagaong!

[Mrs.FC 2]

My in-laws are Filipino and we'll be living in California. Thanks guys! I appreciate all the tips and suggestions. ???