Holiday Gift for a Muslim Friend/Business Associate

1. 83

   GmaGoldieposted 13 years ago

   I need your help. A business associate who has become a friend is Muslim and my husband and I wish to give him a holiday gift basket. Any suggestions? Any gifts other than pork to avoid? Our sincere wish is to make him happy.

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2. 69

   2uesdayposted 13 years ago

   I think Halal food is one of the words to Google for this.

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3. 79

   Rising Carenposted 13 years ago

   You're treading into shark-infested waters.
   
   Some people will be offended because they know that "holiday" gift is really either a xmas or hakukkah gift. Depending on how sensitive that person is, it can be considered an insult.
   
   But if you're going to go into those dangerous waters, go with stuff just about everybody likes, like chocolate (just chocolate, no alcohol or jellies or other fancy dressings/fillings).
   
   Let's see erm..No gold jewelry, no alcohol-based colognes or perfumes (no alcohol in general), no silk. Those are the only rules I remember.

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4. 76

   IzzyMposted 13 years ago

   I think you should play it safe and just buy him a nice ball point pen, or something. Cross or one of the bigger companies make beautiful pens that make great corporate gifts - thinking with him being a business associate, you know it'll get used.

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   1. 39

      wavegirl22posted 13 years agoin reply to this

      + 1

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5. 0

   The Writers Dogposted 13 years ago

   A Muslim friend of mine used to love Turkish Delight. Not the chocolate bar, but the proper thing in icing sugar. In fact, he got me hooked on it as well!

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   1. 71

      melbelposted 13 years agoin reply to this

      <3

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6. 60

   Hollie Thomasposted 13 years ago

   If he has become a friend, you have perhaps gained an insight into his likes and dislikes. Forget the fact that it's Christmas time, if you were buying him a birthday present, what do you think he'd like? It's a personal gift.

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7. 83

   GmaGoldieposted 13 years ago

   Excellent help! Thank you very much!
   
   I learned allot - what fantastic answers.
   
   UPDATE: We ended up going - the safe route (we noted Rising Caren's concern) - very general - no red and green, no Christmas tree - and simple but delightful food. My only concern is the lactose intolerance - we included cheese.
   
   Wish I knew more about his personal tastes. He has become a friend of my husband - their friendship has grown beyond the "associate" only.
   
   Last year my default was bacon so I knew the pork thing to avoid for the sake of sensitivity.

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