Problem One: Gifting

If your parents are Asian, they may do one or more of the following:

1. reject gifts from family friends on your behalf
2. accept the gift from the friend, then take it from you after the friend leaves and returns it
3. returns/re-gifting gifts your friends gave you
4. tries to re-gift something you gave them

#1 is most common among courteous and/or stingy Asian parents. The former is because our culture believes it's impolite to casually take things from other people. The latter is because the stingy Asian parent (or SAP) doesn't want to be forced to give a gift to said friend next time you see them. Either way, there's an easy counter to #1: intercept your parents and thank the giver for the gift, perhaps suggest that next time you meet, you would love to hang out with their kid/ bring them a gift. (There's a chance that the gift was stolen from their kid if they have one; if it is, the other kid will thank you for returning it upon your next meeting) Most likely, these friends won't remember your promise, but even if they do, socializing a little doesn't hurt anyone, and will make you seem like the charming kid.

#2 this is common when you have SAPs and the gift is food, especially chocolate. Your SAP may try to convince you that the chocolate if for the family to share, or just outright steal the box. If you don't want your food stolen, exit quickly and quietly when your parents are saying goodbye to the guests and hide the gift. Remember, people can't steal things they can't find.

#3 is the worst. Normally it happens when a school friend or boyfriend/girlfriend of yours gives you a present (books, jewelry, watches, ect). When you get home, your Asian parent finds it, then tries to take it from you in order to either return it for the money or give it to the kid of one of their friends. If your parents are SAPs, you will never see the present or money again once you hand over the receipt... so: do NOT let them get the receipt. Better yet, do not take receipts home. If your one of those kids who can't lie, destroy the receipt before you go home.

As for re-gifting, there's really only one way to counter this: open every present you get as soon as you get it. If it's a book, write your name in it in pen. If it's jewelry or a watch, wear it. Do not take home the box or packaging! I have received several gifts from my parents' friends that look like they were stolen from their kids. I gave back the ones I knew for sure stolen. Always ask.

#4 is hurtful, but easily avoidable. Once I bought a bottle of Vera Wang perfume for my godsister. Her mother, my godmother, is a nice lady. Her father is the Asian version of Mr. Scrooge. He asked for the receipt as soon as he saw me about to hand her the box. When I told him I lost it, he told her "not to open it just yet" because it's "impolite to open a gift in front of the giver". (Do not believe that line!) When something like this happens, the best thing to do is open the present for the child recipient. While he or she may not have the courage to do so, you "accidentally" ripping the box will cause the good to be un-returnable and un-regiftable. Look out for other Asian kids. Help each other. It's only way to get past your Asian parents' scrutin.