Gift giving can involve a certain etiquette, that if breached, can lead to embarrassment at the least, and potentially damaged relationships in more serious situations. Whether it’s part of a business trip and cultural exchange, or even visiting family or friends in another part of the world, there are certain gift giving rules and expectations that are culturally significant and must be observed.
Gift giving etiquette mainly centers around the following questions: Who is the recipient, what type of gift is expected, what is the process for giving the gift, and is there an expectation of reciprocity?
In Western cultures, the identity of the recipient is perhaps the single most important factor in gift giving. Specifically, the nature of the relationship between giver and receiver is key. The closer the relationship, the more personal the gift that is allowed. Closer relationships also allow for more informal
gift giving occasions (not just on holidays or special days of celebration) as well as an increased expectation for both parties to reciprocate the gifts. Anyone who has ever experienced one of those awkward moments receiving a gift from an unexpected source knows exactly just how important the observance of these customs is.
With more more international business bringing about cross-cultural relationships, it’s important to note that not all gift giving rules of etiquette are universal. Some are unique to their culture.
In China, for example, it’s quite common, even expected for the giver to ask the recipient what gift he or she would like to receive. In business relationships, gift giving is always reciprocal and a failure to observe this custom could destroy an otherwise prosperous relationship. The Chinese also are very generous with their gift giving. Someone who obviously has skimped on a gift becomes known as an “iron rooster.” As the concepts of balance and harmony are valued in Chinese culture, it’s customary to give gifts that come in pairs or sets rather than individual items.
In Saudi Arabia, gifts are only exchanged between individuals who are considered the most intimate of friends; therefore, a gift for a casual business acquaintance may appear too forward and damage the relationship. If buying for a Saudi man, never buy gold or silk. That is an inappropriate gift for a male in the culture. One other piece of advice, when giving a gift in Saudi Arabia, it is customary to offer it with the right hand. To do otherwise is considered offensive.
Fortunately, Gifts that Give offers a variety of high quality, name brand gift items that will be acceptable in any culture (provided the aforementioned rules are followed). Not only will the recipient be honored by a present from Gifts that Give, but an additional honor is bestowed when Gifts that Give contributes 20% of the purchase price to a charity of your choice, because charitable
gift giving is appropriate in any culture.
Gifts that give is a great opportunity for consumers to not only purchase things they want and need but also gives them a great sense of pride to know that their purchase is helping a charity of their choice.
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