Cultural specifics create wonderful diversity and richness of human experience, and these peculiarities can also cause discord. Knowing how to handle things allows you the flexibility to enjoy the unique features of the Russian culture rather than clash.

Tip #5 for dating women from Russia: Gifts

For the most history of Russia things were lacking there and even now many people are struggling.

The average monthly wage in Russia is around 48,300 rubles (USD 635), as per Rosstat data for January-March 2020, RBC reported. Wages are higher in Moscow: 94,000 (USD 1,237), while in some regions like Ivanovo or Chechnya it’s less than 28,000 rubles per month ($368).

At the same time, prices for certain goods are higher in Russia than in western countries. This means, people have to get by with less.

This could be the reason why the culture of gifts still remains one of the core staples as compared to western cultures where people often explicitly request not to bring gifts for birthday parties, for example.

In western countries people have everything they need in terms of everyday essentials and often getting a gift that is unwanted seems such a waste.

In Russia, it’s very different. Gifts are expected from a visitor to a home (“gostinets”, which could be something edible such as chocolates or fresh bakery, or wine). If a person visits from another city or country, they usually also bring small presents to all the people in the family, including kids, much alike the custom of giving gifts for Christmas in western countries.

In dating, men in Russia are still expected to “court” a woman, and this includes gifts. In western countries giving gifts to a woman you are just trying to be close with would seem like “buying” her affection, not the same in Russia. Here it’s seen as “signs of attention” and basically are the indication of the level of your interest.

The woman has no obligation to reciprocate when getting a gift. For her it’s similar to getting a verbal compliment.

The woman has no obligation to reciprocate when getting a gift. For her it’s similar to getting a verbal compliment.

Which gifts are appropriate during dating?

Any gifts that you would usually be giving to a girlfriend or wife at Christmas, her birthday or your wedding anniversary. As I pointed out before, the gifts you give are viewed as reflection of the level of your interest in her.

Regular types of small gifts:

• Perfume
• Chocolates
• Necklace, bracelet, or earrings
• Silk scarf
• Luxury candle
• Food hampers (basket with various cookies, chocolates, etc.)

Larger gifts:

• Trip for two (you and her)
• Theatre or concert tickets
• Other experiences you can enjoy together (excursions, rides, etc.)
• Branded handbag
• Expensive jewellery
• Phone
• Notebook

Big gifts aren’t suitable for the dating stage but appropriate when you are together and it’s a special occasion (birth of your first child, wedding, etc.). In this case, if you were planning to purchase it anyway, present it to her as a gift and she will be much happier.

Big gifts:

• Car
• Branded jewellery
• Expensive trip

If you are planning a big purchase, it’s a great idea to present it to your wife or girlfriend from Russia as a “gift for her”, because it fits with her ideas of how a great relationship works.

If there are no big purchases possible, then a simple bouquet of flowers and a thoughtful card now and then will do.

“It’s not the gift that counts, it’s attention”, a Russian saying insists.

Read also:

• What is the best way to meet Russian singles for a serious relationship? Should I just go to Russia?
• Russian girls would marry by 21, if men had their way
• What exactly is online dating?
• What are the pitfalls of dating a single mom?