Japanese - Ask questions thread

Basically if you have a question about the language, ask it and fellow 4channers might see it and answer it for you.

To start it off. When an animate object (iru) dies, is it considered inanimate(aru)?

This question might be out of place, but I am going to Japan in a few weeks and I need to come up with some gifts to give to people (friends I might make, a host family, etc).  What are some recommendations from people with experience visiting Japan?  The trip is just under a month, so I have to come prepared!