ISTM in Hong Kong

Several days ago, I met my buddy Stephanie. I offered her a little bag of French candies, "nougats". I do not know if it is a Chinese tradition, but for me, it was normal to bring a gift from France to my buddy. Then, the next time I met my buddy again, she came with a little box of Beijing candies. I will not be able to describe the candy...they remind me of the French calisson : let's say they consist of two edible sheets of paper, and inside, there is a kind of loukoum. I like it, specially with tea !

That reminds me that for Chinese people, when somebody offers you something, you have to give a present of the same price in return (ie in this case, I offered candies from France, so my buddy who is from there offered me candies from Beijing). And you give and receive presents with your two hands.
Then I would like something to add about presents. There are at least two things you cannot offer to Chinese people : watches and knives. Do not offer watches or clocks, that would mean you invite your friend to count how many days left he has to live...and do not offer knives either, but I will not be able to explain the meaning of this gift. Some people do not care about these believes, but others will not receive that kind of present without giving you a symbolic coin : it would be as if you do not offer them any watch or knife, but as if you sell them that good...