Simple Greeting Gift?

Is it respectful in Laos to offer a small token-gift when meeting someone? If so, are there any simple, small %26#39;western%26#39; items that are appreciated as a %26#39;greeting gift%26#39; when you meet someone in Laos simply to show respect and friendship? Four of us will be traveling and enjoy meeting new people and creating a warm feeling in such opportunities. We do not wish, however, to offend or simply give something that is not locally valued.

Simple Greeting Gift?

';Is it respectful in Laos to offer a small token-gift when meeting someone?';

No not really. Best is if you are going to someoneone%26#39;s house to bring flowers. If you are invited to a wedding you put a gift of money into the envelope containing the wedding invitation and drop it into the box for that purpose at the reception.

If you are going to a Baci you tie a note of money to the person%26#39;s wrist.

Simple Greeting Gift?

Jeremy-

Will you be visiting a friend%26#39;s home, or are you just referring to meeting people in general? Handing things out at random just encourages begging (I%26#39;m sure you already know this), but as Rufuscat said in his last post, flowers, or even fruit (in my case, when I visit my friends homes) would be nice tokens if someone has done you a special favor.