When you visit people, giving presents is an old Russian tradition. When you are invited to dinner bring flowers or a bottle of wine. Arriving empty handed is considered bad taste.

You should have small gifts for all family members you are visiting, especially children. I brought little hand held electronic games for the children of the women I visited.

American cigarettes and whiskey are excellent choices for men who smoke or drink. Quality perfume from the duty free shops is an excellent choice for the women.

For your intended, flowers are number one especially red roses. Don't forget to get an odd number of flowers in the bouquet.

Secondly, gold jewelry with diamonds, such as a necklace or bracelet is a good choice. They don't have to be expensive for her to appreciate them.

Don't throw a lot of money around or buy her expensive gifts. If she didn't ask for it, it will make her feel uncomfortable and if she does ask for it, she isn't the right girl.

That is not to say that you should not buy her anything. Just don't try to buy her love.

I mentioned it before, but in my way of thinking, the ideal gift for a woman that you are serious about is an English/Russian electronic translator .

I will give you another hint: men tend to think more about the quality of a gift; women tend to be more quantity oriented. You would much rather have a sports car than a bottle of cologne. She, however, gives more weight to ten gifts spread over time than one large gift.

Be generous. You don't want the woman in your life to think you are cheap or greedy.