What gifts did Melania Trump get from Xi Jinping and Brigitte Macron? 5 special presents from world leaders – think Ferragamo and Givenchy handbags, and bespoke tableware

Jan 29 , 2021

Former US first lady Melania Trump with China’s first lady Peng Liyuan, during a visit to a school in Beijing, China in November 2017 – making and receiving such visits is part of the job for a first lady and is usually accompanied by the giving of gifts. Photo: EPA-EFE

A scarab beetle chair and tableware featuring the Trump’s Mar-a-Lago home were just two of the more unusual items that the former president and his wife received while rubbing shoulders at G7 summits and diplomatic meets

When Melania Trump first entered the White House she had the world wondering what was in the Tiffany-coloured box she gave Michelle Obama. It turns out the gift was a “lovely frame”, according to the outgoing first lady.

Now we know how much Melania appreciates the custom of gift giving – and that her taste clearly lies on the more extravagant side – so here’s what she was given by various world leaders and dignitaries during her own time as first lady.

China

Former president Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, with their wives, former first lady Melania Trump and Chinese first lady Peng Liyuan during a dinner at Mar-a-Lago, Florida, in April 2017. Photo: AP

President Xi Jinping had his first meeting with the Trumps during a visit to the US in April 2017, alongside his wife Peng Liyuan, and there’s no doubt they left a great impression on the first family.

Former first lady Melania Trump visits Bak Middle School of the Arts in West Palm Beach, Florida in April 2017. Photo: AFP

Melania was given an 85-piece porcelain Honav National Banquet Tableware Set, featuring a printed polychrome floral design. Xi went the extra mile to flatter the first lady, as part of the dinnerware gift were two round plates featuring the pink house on Trump’s sprawling Florida estate Mar-a-Lago.

A cabinet in the White House China Room. Photo: White House Historical Association

The Trumps themselves have their own branded tableware for sale, but this present had a huge estimated value of US$16,250.