In Reply to: what to buy posted by maurjohn on Thursday, 28. February 2008 at 09:03 Bali Time:
- that respects Balinese tradition is nice, new, clean money (value not important really) in a red envelope.
The red envelope is obviously a hangover from their adopted Chinese traditions. If you decorate the envelope with your own artistic talents, even the carefully written or printed Babies name will do (but more is better to tickle their artistic sensibilities) like stick-on cartoon figures or shiny stars or glitter stuck on with a glue stick or glue pen etc (check your local newsagent).
The money is a symbol of your wish for the child's prosperous life (and what Balinese does not want a rich child to look after them in their old age) and the hand decorated envelope is a very personal touch that is seen a super special for that baby.
Put the envelopoe in the right (clean) hand of course and the parent will help in this regard as they will immediately recognise what you are doing. Remember not to touch the babies head.
Anything after this dims into insignificance, almost, but you might find some suggestions at the link below.