The unusual gifts the Bidens gave Anthony Albanese and Jodie Haydon at private dinner meeting – and what the Aussie couple gave in return as they huddle at the White House

The White House showed it had done its homework on Australia’s music-loving prime minister with a gift specifically tailored to Anthony Albanese’s amateur DJ skills.

US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill exchanged gifts with Anthony Albanese and his partner Jodie Haydon in Washington on Wednesday as they met for a private dinner ahead of an extended state hearing on Thursday.

Mr. Albanese received a custom-made turntable from a family-owned American audio manufacturer – an ideal gift for the noted vinyl record lover to play some of his favorite tunes.

He also received an antique desk designed in 1886, while Ms Haydon received from Dr Biden a green enamel and diamond necklace from an American jeweller.

In return, President Biden received a painting by Australian Indigenous artist Katherine Boland, created as part of a DFAT-funded project supporting fire-affected communities in both Australia and the United Kingdom.

Dr. Biden was given a silk scarf and a painting by an indigenous artist of a group of women who gathered Tjukurla in Western Australia with a sample of bush food they collected.

The First Lady also received a silver leaf brooch jewelry from Melbourne designer Shimara Carlow.

However much they may like the offer, Mr Albanese and Ms Haydon will likely have to hand them over to the Prime Minister’s Department or pay the equivalent under Australia’s strict civil service rules.

On his Instagram feed, Mr Albanese posted that it was ‘Good to see you again, my friend @potus. Thank you for the warm welcome.’

Photos show Mr Albanese and Mr Biden laughing as the prime minister signed a visitors book and then looking very happy in each other’s company as they share a drink at the White House.

In another photo, the two couples sat deep in conversation around a small dining table.

The intimate meal contrasts with the lavish State Dinner is scheduled for Thursday.

The highly anticipated black-tie dinner will take place in a temporary pavilion on the White House lawn.

State dinners are typically among the most extravagant diplomatic events hosted by the White House — only three others have been hosted by President Biden: for the leaders of France, South Korea and India.

But this week’s will face significant cuts due to both international and national crises, particularly the conflict between Israel and Hamas and the ongoing struggle to elect a new Speaker of the House of Representatives.

First Lady Jill Biden had previously announced she had scrapped her plan to have the popular band the B-52s perform at the state dinner due to the “grief and pain” being felt around the world.

Instead, the band members will attend the event as guests. Performing will be the President’s Marine Band and the Army and Air Force Strolling Strings, who will provide instrumental music for the evening.

The dinner will be catered by celebrity chef Katie Button and attended by American and Australian artists, business and community leaders.

Although the guest list for the state dinner has not yet been confirmed, there are rumors that actors Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie could make an appearance.

There is also speculation that the chairman of the Australian Rugby League Commission and NSW Racing chief Peter V’landys will be in attendance.

The B52s – the band behind hits like Love Shack and Rock Lobster – are known for their left-wing politics and performed at the 2012 Democratic National Convention in the US.

The speaker of the House of Representatives has also been invited to previous state dinners, but that position is now vacant and no candidate has yet gathered enough support to replace ousted Republican Kevin McCarthy.

When asked who she will invite to fill that position, Jill Biden replied, “I don’t know.”

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was asked at a media conference whether the celebration would appear “tone deaf” given the suffering in Israel and Gaza.

“We believe there is no more important time than now to make this state visit to Australians and to demonstrate our strength, partnership and alliances,” she said.

“Having these conversations with one of our allies, like Australia, is incredibly important.

“You will see two leaders come together and continue to talk about the partnership they hope to further advance.”

Mr Albanese will meet with business leaders on Wednesday and attend the opening of the new Australian embassy in Washington DC.

There will also be an Oval Office meeting and a joint press conference on Wednesday before the state dinner.

The main topic of the conversation between President Biden and Mr Albanese in the Oval Office will likely be China and its growing influence in the Indo-Pacific.

“I have no doubt that the challenges and opportunities in relations with the (People’s Republic of China) will be on the agenda tomorrow. There is no doubt about that,” White House spokesman John Kirby said Tuesday.

Radio host Ray Hadley hit out at Mr Albanese for flying to the US instead of dealing with the issues at home, especially after so much time was spent on the ultimately fruitless and ‘divisive’ Voice referendum.

“We have a crisis in the Middle East, we have a crisis regarding people who cannot afford to feed themselves, clothe themselves and pay their mortgages,” Hadley said.

‘We have the drama about the yes/no vote (referendum)… so what does he do? He gets on a plane to talk to Joe Biden. How is Joe going to help us?’