7 Essential Gift Giving Etiquettes

Gifting is a nice gesture that helps express heartfelt emotions and develop healthy relationships. As the holidays approach, people get busy searching for the perfect gift for every important person in their life. A lot of thinking and planning goes behind gift-giving that can make it stressful at times. Also, when it comes to gifting, different regions or countries follow different traditions. If you are familiar with gift-giving etiquettes, it will become easier to find the right gift at the right time. Sharing some guidelines that will help you avoid embarrassing moments during gift-giving. Don’t Make Gifting About Yourself Gifting is not about the sender. Make it special for the recipient. The gifts need not be very lavish or expensive that make a statement about your wealth. Don’t gift what you love. Gift what the recipient would like to receive. You can try and ask them about their likes and hobbies or pay attention to what they get passionate about. Give generously with an open heart without expecting anything in return. Choose Useful, Long-lasting Gifts Always choose gifts that last longer. That can be used repeatedly and appreciated by the recipient for a long time. You can gift chocolates and cupcakes that the recipient would love to relish. Similarly, you can opt for electronic gadgets that they can use every day for their convenience. It is also important to keep in mind what is and is not appropriate for gifting in a personal or professional setting. Avoid giving personal or a little too intimate gifts to co-workers. The Gift of Equality When people receive expensive gifts, they assume and feel pressured to do the same in return. Spare yourself from these thoughts. Gift-giving should be meaningful and not a way to show off your affluent financial condition. In return, you can choose a gift that may not be expensive but convey your feelings for the recipient in a thoughtful way. Be Culturally Aware Different cultures and countries have different traditions when it comes to gifting. It is important to understand the norms and traditions of the recipient when you are planning to give a gift. Choose wisely so that you do not offend or embarrass them. For example, in Singapore, out of politeness, people usually refuse a gift before accepting it, so that they don’t appear greedy. Similarly, in Native America, during weddings, guests are the receivers of gifts rather than the host. Likewise, in Asia or South America, the receiver must wait until they are in private to open a gift. Don’t Forget To Honor the Host When someone invites you to their home for lunch or dinner, it is considered good etiquette to bring a gift as a token of appreciation. The gifts need not be expensive or glitzy. A little thoughtful gift like a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates is enough to convey the gesture of gratitude for the humble invite. Group Gifting Is Not an Obligation You may feel guilty to give a gift to a co-worker for a festival and not gifting the rest of the office. The question may keep appearing in your mind if you should give a gift to everyone in the group. It is natural to feel that way but you shouldn’t be guilty. It all depends on the type of relationship that you share with the people in the group. Try to exchange gifts in private if you aren’t planning to gift the rest of the group. Presentation Matters The way you present gift matters a lot. So, take time and make the effort to wrap the gift and present the right way. Wrap it in a nice wrapping paper to make it look attractive that convey your affection and appreciation for the recipient in a thoughtful way. You should follow these gift-giving etiquettes to send gifts the right way.