Typically, when giving gifts to people with whom you are not very close, perishable items like sweets are preferred because they are meant to be enjoyed and do not clutter the recipient's space.
こんにちは！
ご質問ありがとうございます。
ご質問について、いくつか言い方が考えられますが、例えば、
In Japan, it is common to express gratitude by giving gifts such as sweets or food to those who have helped you. Typically, when giving gifts to people with whom you are not very close, perishable items like sweets are preferred because they are meant to be enjoyed and do not clutter the recipient's space. On the other hand, items like mugs or other non-food items are less commonly given on such occasions.
とすると、ご質問にあるような内容を伝えられます。
役に立ちそうな単語とフレーズ
express gratitude 感謝の意を表す
perishable 日持ちのしない
non-perishable 保存食、保存の利く食料品
clutter ～を物であふれさせる
参考になれば幸いです。
In Japan, it's customary to give things that are consumable, something eatable, for example, to those who are not so close to us.
Things that remain, such as a mug, are not something that would be given.
ご質問ありがとうございます。
"In Japan, it's customary to give things that are consumable,"＝「日本では、消費できるものをあげます」
"something eatable, for example, to those who are not so close to us."＝「例えば、食べられるものなど、あまり親しくない人たちに。」
"Things that remain, such as a mug, "＝「マグカップなど残るもの」
"are not something that would be given."＝「はあげません。」
ご参考までに。
日本 
アメリカ合衆国 
