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Gifts are an expression of feeling, but not necessarily the recipient's. According to Dr. Julian Givi, an assistant professor of marketing at West Virginia University who has extensively studied the subject, we often give gifts that reflect our own desires and motivations.

Similarly, Hawaii presents visitors with a lei, aiming to create a memorable first impression and foster a sense of connection and appreciation for its culture and hospitality.

Interested in the tradition, Reddit user Wolf805 invited people to try and come up with what the rest of the US states would hand out as welcome tokens. Here are some of the most interesting answers they received.

#1

“Welcome To Pennsylvania, Here’s Your Flat Tire”: 50 Iconic Things That Define US States Canada (not US but we want to play too) - A poutine and a “hey bud”.

Parking_Giraffe_8884 , Eugene Aikimov Report

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TheGoodBoi
Community Member
6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mmmm poutine, it's a dish of french fries and cheese curds topped with a brown gravy. 🤤🤤🤤

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    #2

    “Welcome To Pennsylvania, Here’s Your Flat Tire”: 50 Iconic Things That Define US States You are getting cheese curds. Welcome to Wisconsin.

    Bucksin06 , Tom Fisk Report

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    SuperChicken
    Community Member
    6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Been there once, and had a fantastic time. We went to a restaurant, where they played and danced to the tunes of Polka. Good times.

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    We got in touch with Wolf805 and they agreed to have a little chat with us. "Just before I thought of asking this question on Reddit, I was watching a prank video on YouTube by That Was Epic, where Juan was in Hawaii asking girls if they wanted to get 'laid' or if they could do it to him," the person behind the now-viral post told Bored Panda.

    "It was intended to sound sexual until he pulled out a lei and clarified he meant getting 'leid' as a joke. This funny prank inspired me to think about what other states might give visitors if they had a similar tradition, leading me to post the question."

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    #5

    “Welcome To Pennsylvania, Here’s Your Flat Tire”: 50 Iconic Things That Define US States A blunt and a Patagonia puffer jacket - Colorado.

    Useless_Engineer_ , Patrick Hendry Report

    "In the answers I've received, I've noticed recurring themes that align with popular stereotypes of each state," Wolf805 said.

    "For example, many people suggested Texas would give visitors a barbecue or a gun, which reflects common perceptions of Texan culture. These recurring themes highlight how people often associate specific items or experiences with certain states based on cultural stereotypes."

    #6

    “Welcome To Pennsylvania, Here’s Your Flat Tire”: 50 Iconic Things That Define US States Welcome to Kentucky, here is a shot of bourbon.

    Emissarye , Joshua Michaels Report

    #7

    “Welcome To Pennsylvania, Here’s Your Flat Tire”: 50 Iconic Things That Define US States In New Jersey you’d get a “who invited this a*****e” and a pork roll, egg, and cheese bagel.

    One_Rabbit6906 , Caroline Ross Report

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    #8

    “Welcome To Pennsylvania, Here’s Your Flat Tire”: 50 Iconic Things That Define US States In Mississippi, a gun, a welfare check, and an unwanted pregnancy.

    Siskoda , Justin Wilkens Report

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    There are many ways to slice up the United States, but author Colin Woodard argues that it can be divided into 11 sub-nations. He mapped out the regions in his renowned book American Nations: A History of the Eleven Rival Regional Cultures of North America.

    Recognizing the distinct values of each region is critical to understanding the US, Woodard said.

    "The country has been arguing about a lot of fundamental things lately, including state roles and individual liberty," Woodard, a Maine native, explained.

    "In order to have any productive conversation on these issues, you need to know where you come from," he said. "Once you know where you are coming from, it will help move the conversation forward."

    #9

    Florida: Bug spray and .38 Special.

    Caspers_Shadow Report

    #10

    “Welcome To Pennsylvania, Here’s Your Flat Tire”: 50 Iconic Things That Define US States Welcome to Pennsylvania here's your flat tire.

    Sensitive_Lion9776 , Sebastian Huxley Report

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    #11

    “Welcome To Pennsylvania, Here’s Your Flat Tire”: 50 Iconic Things That Define US States Arizona: A miniature of a coloured sediment rock, such as jasper or turquoise.

    PenaltySpecialist236 , Ray Bilcliff Report

    His proposed map of the country consists of:

    1. Yankeedom;
    2. New Netherland;
    3. The Midlands;
    4. Tidewater;
    5. Greater Appalachia;
    6. Deep South;
    7. New France;
    8. El Norte;
    9. The Far West;
    10. The Left Coast;
    11. First Nation.
    #12

    “Welcome To Pennsylvania, Here’s Your Flat Tire”: 50 Iconic Things That Define US States Baked potato in Idaho.

    Damndang , engin akyurt Report

    #13

    “Welcome To Pennsylvania, Here’s Your Flat Tire”: 50 Iconic Things That Define US States In the U.S.V.I. they give you a shot of Cruzan rum after you land.

    exdeeer , Cyrus Crossan Report

    #14

    Washington: A latte, cosmic crisp apple, and a joint.

    Sonotmethen Report

    "I believe that US states can retain their individuality without causing too much division and hostility among themselves," Wolf805 added.

    "While each state has its unique culture and traditions, these differences can be celebrated and appreciated rather than leading to conflict. Embracing diversity within the country can strengthen the sense of unity and mutual respect among states."

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    #15

    “Welcome To Pennsylvania, Here’s Your Flat Tire”: 50 Iconic Things That Define US States North Carolina, a Cheerwine, a bbq sandwich and a firearm permit. .

    ZoominAlong , Jemima Whyles Report

    #16

    Coming back from a deployment, we had a stopover in bangor maine. they gave us cookies and fear.

    No_Step_4431 Report

    #18

    A plate of brisket in Texas.

    Damseldoll Report

    #19

    In NH, a rock. Because you can't take it for granite.

    stutterstut Report

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    WonderWoman
    Community Member
    6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd say NH - where the state has to rescue people from their own stupidity at an alarming rate. From motorcyclists with no helmets roaring down mountain roads and smashing their heads to idiots ill prepared attempting to climb mountains in flip-flops and no coats and getting lost.

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    #20

    “Welcome To Pennsylvania, Here’s Your Flat Tire”: 50 Iconic Things That Define US States A little container of Old Bay. Not gonna bother saying the state.

    Bigfops , Mareefe Report

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    ElfVibratorGlitter
    Community Member
    6 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    MD represent! Edit: old bay is a seasoning often used on crab, that originated in Maryland. And we put that stuff on everything, old bay French fries are pretty good. From Wikipedia, The seasoning is a mix of celery salt (salt, celery seed), spices (including red pepper and black pepper) and paprika. Some of the other spices that may be used are laurel leaves, mustard, cardamom, cloves and ginger as listed in the original product in the Baltimore Museum of Industry. It is regionally popular, specifically in Maryland, as well as in the Mid-Atlantic States, the Southern States, parts of New England and the Gulf Coast.

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    #21

    “Welcome To Pennsylvania, Here’s Your Flat Tire”: 50 Iconic Things That Define US States Washington, specifically SeaTac, we'd huck a salmon at ya.

    IndieHamster , Valeria Boltneva Report

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    Daniel Atkins
    Community Member
    6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Imagine getting off a plane i n Washington and getting a salmon like you get a lei in Hawaii.

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    #22

    Welcome to Montana here’s your cracked windshield.

    CJMeow86 Report

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    Lauren S
    Community Member
    6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We get a lot of those in AZ too. Glass coverage is the most economically sound part of car insurance. We replace a windshield at least twice a year (3 cars, so maybe the average per car is once a year or 18 months).

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    #23

    “Welcome To Pennsylvania, Here’s Your Flat Tire”: 50 Iconic Things That Define US States In Mississippi you’d get a plate of fried catfish.

    BeachedBottlenose , Jp Valery Report

    #24

    “Welcome To Pennsylvania, Here’s Your Flat Tire”: 50 Iconic Things That Define US States Faygo and a tire repair kit (Michigan, specifically SE Michigan).

    Aprikoosi_flex , Andrea Piacquadio Report

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    Kzincat
    Community Member
    6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I live in SE Michigan. Faygo is a local soda pop brand. Vernors is where it’s at. Local brand of ginger ale, but better. You’ll also get a Sanders Bumpy Cake.

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    #25

    Indiana: pork tenderloin sandwich, sugar cream pie, directions to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

    jasonbaldwin Report

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    Justapanda
    Community Member
    6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Also crazy weather. One day it's 80, the next 40. (Fahrenheit, obviously)

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    #26

    “Welcome To Pennsylvania, Here’s Your Flat Tire”: 50 Iconic Things That Define US States An IPA in Oregon.

    MedSPAZ , Karsten Winegeart Report

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    #27

    “Welcome To Pennsylvania, Here’s Your Flat Tire”: 50 Iconic Things That Define US States Philadelphia is now its own state and you get a punch in the face from Gritty.

    juliabelleswain , ActionVance Report

    #28

    In New York, you’d get a bagel with cream cheese.

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    #29

    Tennessee... a ticket for a minor traffic violation. Or a bottle of Jack Daniels so they could get you on a not so minor violation.

    trailblazers79 Report

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    Ray Ceeya (RayCeeYa)
    Community Member
    6 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Fun Fact, the county where they distill JD is a dry county. So no alcohol sales.

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    #30

    Ohio…a buckeye (the candy kind).

    hughgrang Report

    #31

    Well for Illinois it would be an ear of corn and a handful of soybeans. But since you're actually flying in to Chicago it'll be a broken lawn chair for your dibs and a Chicago hot dog.

    MaxRokatanski Report

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    Marie Clear
    Community Member
    6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey, thin and crispy crust, or stuffed, or Chicago style, the pizza is the best, and I still love Gibsons for a great steak. So did Frank Sinatra who used to have Gibsons delivered to him wherever he was in the country. (FYI: the folks in Chicago with firearms will only give you the bullet part of their guns. They keep the rest of the gun for themselves.)

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    #32

    “Welcome To Pennsylvania, Here’s Your Flat Tire”: 50 Iconic Things That Define US States Beads in Louisiana.

    DubsAnd49ers , Eric Prouzet Report

    #33

    Minnesota you get the deed to a lake.

    plowerd Report

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    C Cat
    Community Member
    6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Depends on the season. Winter: better have a hat and gloves. Summer: bug spray. August: something on a stick from the state fair

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    #35

    Minnesota:
    Half a pan of tater tot hotdish and a grainbelt.

    Nolser Report

    #36

    Lobster Bib- Maine.

    Sekmet19 Report

    #37

    When you land in Connecticut, you’ll get a tax bill…and maybe some pizza….

    omgitssomethingshiny Report

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    DB
    Community Member
    6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And your pick of which Gerrymandered Congressional district to live in.

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    #38

    Realistically, a shot of bourbon, but it’s fun to imagine giving each visitor a full-size Thoroughbred….

    honicthesedgehog Report

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    #39

    In Iowa you’d get a Busch Light and a Casey’s pizza.

    DevinB333 Report

    #40

    Bag of boiled peanuts in Georgia.

    roadwobbler Report

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    Freya the Wanderer
    Community Member
    6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Georgia should be known as the Peanut State. It is the #1 producer of peanuts, only #4 or #5 (depending on what source you check) for peaches.

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    #41

    Sunflowers Kansas.

    8Panda4Luv Report

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    Helena
    Community Member
    6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Really? I was going to say a rundown of what the procedures are for that location during a tornado.

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    #42

    Winter coat- North Dakota.

    mostdope28 Report

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    ninjaTrashPandaBoom
    Community Member
    6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And thermal underwear...and polar snow gloves...and a wool scarf...and a fur-lined hat with those ear flaps...and thick wool socks...and snow boots...

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    #44

    Nevada you'd get a bag of casino chips.

    Adamthedroog Report

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    Tara Twothumbs
    Community Member
    6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You also get swept away in flood waters (lousy infrastructure), rudest drivers in the nation and scorpions from Arizona

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    #45

    Virginia: Vanity license plate.

    Darthscary Report

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    #46

    Pepperoni rolls here in WV.

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    #47

    Alabama, an STD.

    chuckerton Report

    #48

    “Welcome To Pennsylvania, Here’s Your Flat Tire”: 50 Iconic Things That Define US States Massachusetts: dunks.

    b1eadcb , Alin Surdu Report

    #49

    Texas: a gun.

    ZackShadowEpic Report

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    similarly
    Community Member
    6 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, c'mon! This is such BS! I used to live in Texas, and we didn't give guns to all visitors. We usually waited until your second visit. No, I'll tell you what Texans give every visitor: a "history" lesson. They'll tell you all about The Republic of Texas (but not mention it only existed for 10 years), or how it's the "only state in the Union that can legally secede if they want (not true), or how it was home to the first European settlement in America (Also not true. The Vikings had a permanent settlement in Newfoundland 500 years earlier). etc etc etc.

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    #50

    Do they still do this in Hawaii? The last time I landed there, about 10 years ago, I didn’t get one. Now I’m thinking I got shafted.

    Anyway, when arriving in Duluth or Minneapolis, you’d be given a tater-tot hot-dish.

    Equivalent_Delays_97 Report

    Note: this post originally had 62 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.

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