Gift Giving Etiquette

Giving a gift can be a sign of friendship, appreciation or a gesture of good business relations. However, if the focus is on giving, then why is there a need for gift etiquette? Shouldn't there be enough fun in the giving and receiving of the gift itself? Not so. Using proper etiquette when giving a gift can greatly enhance the entire event.

Gifts should never be given in a crass or thoughtless way. Do not forget to cut off price tags and avoid revealing how much you spent. Although, in certain circumstances passing along a gift you have received to another recipient can be acceptable, be aware that re-gifting is considered an indiscretion in some circles.

Wedding gifts should be sent prior to the special event to the address indicated for the R.S.V.P. Sometimes this is a parent's address so be sure to clarify that the package is "in care of" the homeowner's name to avoid confusion for postal carriers and a delay in your delivery. Wedding gifts can be sent up to a year after the wedding, but it is a best practice to send them in a timely fashion.

Presentation is everything. If a gift is beautifully wrapped and extra thought and care has been invested, the receiver will have a richer experience opening it. It will make even a simple gift stand out among the rest.

Be aware of cultural faux pas in packaging especially in International business dealings. Avoid using colors like white, black and blue because they signify death in Asian cultures. Instead, wrap in bright colors like pink, red, green or yellow, which are a sign of joy and happiness.

Giving a gift to demonstrate the beginnings of positive business relations can help get things started on the right foot. However, making crucial mistakes in gift giving can turn a positive opportunity into an awkward moment. Each culture has its own idiosyncrasies, so doing some research before giving a gift to a future business associate is time well spent. For example, offering a high quality knife set in China sends the message you are severing dealings with them, but presenting a large box of chocolates is entirely appropriate.

In Japan, it is important to offer your gift with both hands and a slight bow of the head. Do not be surprised if the recipient does not accept the gift without some persistence from you. It can be considered greedy on their part to take the gift on the first offering. He or she also may choose not open your gift in front of you as it is a culturally relevant practice.

Giving a gift can have cultural and even political implications so be sure you are using sensitivity to other person's traditions, ethnicity and religious beliefs. An excellent resource to consult is the book, "Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands" by Terri Morrison, Wayne A. Conaway, and Dr. George A. Borden which gives cultural information on sixty countries including the do's and don'ts of giving gifts.