What kind of Asian - short and diminutive features, or a larger type Asian - big bones, etc.

Anonymous wrote:Clean socks

yes, do not leave your shoes on, even if they tell you it is ok. Lessons I learned from my Asian in-laws.

Anonymous wrote:I doubt they are expecting you to bring anything. However, wear nice clean socks, in case they are a "no shoes in house" family. A lot of my Asian friends don't allow shoes to be worn in the house. Honestly, I love the idea, but my DH would never let me implement it in our house.

Good tip. I grew up without shoes in the house, and we implement the same thing today. Honestly, it grosses me out when people wear their outdoor shoes inside the home -- do you know how much crud you're tracking in on to your floors and rugs? Even Mr. Rogers changed from outdoor shoes to indoor shoes and he wasn't Asian

Anonymous wrote:I would bring your passport, and some luggage. I can't be bothered to travel more than 10 minutes away for a playdate, impressive that you're going to Asia for one.

SMDH.

LOL. And I don't even know what SMDH means.

Good question. I have been invited to the homes of a Jew and, separately, a Christian. I'd appreciate advice on what to bring them.

Are you asking whether an Asian family will be offended if you don't show up with something because of some cultural norm?

I am Asian and I will say that I was raised to bring something to people's homes when I visited or went over for dinner. I wouldn't bring something every single time I just hung out at someone else's house casually to play, but if it was my first time at that friend's house or if it was a bigger deal (like a sleepover or something), then yes, I brought something small for that friend's parents, like a food gift or flowers. And it's a practice that I still basically follow today when we go over to someone's place.

That being said, in my household, I wouldn't be at all offended if someone came over for a playdate and did NOT bring a gift -- every one is different. If you did bring a gift, then I'd think it's nice, but I wouldn't at all think you were rude for failing to bring a gift.

I always bring a small snack to share (bag of pretzels, goldfish, apples, blueberries, whatever I have around the house). It doesn't matter if the family is from Mars or Asia.

I would bring your passport, and some luggage. I can't be bothered to travel more than 10 minutes away for a playdate, impressive that you're going to Asia for one.

SMDH.

The Asian part doesn't matter. But if you want to go the extra mile, a housewarming gift would be a nice gesture.

Anonymous wrote:What does being Asian have to do with anything?

She's obviously checking to make sure it's not part of Asian culture to bring something.

Clean socks

I doubt they are expecting you to bring anything. However, wear nice clean socks, in case they are a "no shoes in house" family. A lot of my Asian friends don't allow shoes to be worn in the house. Honestly, I love the idea, but my DH would never let me implement it in our house.

What does being Asian have to do with anything?

If they invited you, I don't think they will be expecting you to bring anything, but if you want to, that would be nice. I'd just make sure to reciprocate the playdate; I think that would be plenty.

Playdate does not take place at meal time but both sets of parents will be present as both of our families are relatively new to the neighborhood and I think we are all thinking we'd like to develop the relationship. Should we bring something? A food gift? It's a morning playdate--our bagel place is closed on Saturday, I was wondering if we should go out to get doughnuts.