text: According to many corporate code of conduct policies (I know since I have to do this certification every year now), you cannot accept a gift more than $50-$150 from external parties, especially if there are some common business interest.  We can check with HR if there are exceptional circumstances but those are rare now.  And we are strictly forbidden to accept or give any gifts from or to government officials.  Wow, it looks like government is a LOT looser on these.