Gift Etiquette Why Is Gift Etiquette Important
Because it is a type of communication. It communicates your thoughts about that person, how important she is. A thoughtless gift simply shows....well, thoughtlessness. We've all had some experience that. Beautiful, breath-taking, thoughtful gifts make you feel special, incredibly loved. Silly gifts, dull, gifts, offensive gifts, useless gifts make you feel a bit ignored, and you wonder whether she bought for herself in the first place and changed her mind. You've also got a feeling when you receive a gift that is a re-gift. So what is proper gift giving and receiving? Here are some general guidelines of Gift Etiquette: When You are the Gift GiverBefore You Buy A Gift
Always ask yourself, what is the occasion? How terribly important is it? How formal is the event? In general, the gift should reflect the occasion or the event. The more effort and expense your gift-receiver has put in, the more effort you should put in in selecting and presenting your gift.
Find out a little bit of background of the person you are giving it to. Does she like plants? Or roses? What is her favourite flower? Does she already have the DVD of her favourite movie? Try asking her friends, or family discretely
 What a difference some pink paper and silver ribbon makes. In Gift etiquette, presenting the gift properly is as important as being thoughtful about the gift. A beautiful container always increases the perceived value of the gift even though it only costs a couple of dollars more. A jar, a wooden box, a basket, a tin, a cloth bag etc will all do very well. The traditional box, wrapped with a bow and a gift tag always works for me.  Simple wrapping paper and a bit of twine.
It is good to take note of cultural customs especially when giving a gift to a client from a different culture. For instance, clocks are never accepted to chinese people as it signifies "the days of your life are shortened". In some other cultures, you should never give shoes to a bride because it signifies 'walking out' or 'running away' of her groom. Colours are important in some cultures. Generally black is frowned upon, and in others, white signifies death as well.  When Buying A Gift
First, set aside a budget. This prevents us from wasting shopping time and not diminish our efforts for getting the most suitable present
Reflect on the times spent together with your gift receiver, no matter how little you know them. Did they mention about something they are excited about? If they love taking photographs, perhaps buying a beautiful frame or a box of black and white film for their hobby.
Giving a card is very elegant. Many times, your personal message means more than you really know and it enhances the thoughtfulness of the gift. As hard as we try, sometimes it may not be obvious why we bought that gift. So it could be like, "Oh I saw this french poodle and I thought of how you loved Paris..."  Many gifts come and go, used up and have gone, but we always keep the cards that mean to us the most.  Presenting the GiftIt's good to think about the when and how. If you are just going to meet her for lunch, bring your gift and give it to her personally. She can rave about it for five minutes over lunch. If she is hosting a party and is too busy meeting with guests, give it her when you greet her, but ask where you can leave it so she does not have to lug it around. If you are going to a farewell party just before she leaves to the airport, don't bring a big bouquet of flowers because she can't take the flowers to travel with her.  Elegant looking gift box made of velvet and some ribbon. When you think about giving it to her, imagine what it would be like for her end to say, transport it home. Depending on culture, some people expect the gift receiver to open the gifts in front of the giver. In general, it is nicer for the gift receiver to open in private, be surprised and write a thank you note. Unless I'm being encouraged to, I seldom open my gifts in full view of every one. When You are Receiving the Gift
No matter what gift it is, remember to look happy and surprised. Focus on the thought, time and effort in getting you that gift!
Do not chuck it aside, once you've opened it. Hold the gift and look at your giver and express the most sincere thanks.
Always write a thank you note, specially mentioning the gift. It can be in the form of an sms, text message, email, depending on formality and how expensive the gift is.
Re-gifting for both Givers and ReceiversIf it is from your bestfriend, neighbour or a very close friend. I suggest not to regift. Keep it for 10 years at least before you do. If it is from someone you'll probably never see again, or see once a year, regift but do it very tastefully - go undetected! If you don't mind your receiver re-gifting, mention that in your note or include the gift-and-exchanges card from the boutique. General Gift Etiquette Guideline for Re-giftingGo undetected! Ensure it is appropriate to the occasion, and a very useful and thoughtful gift Only give it if you are a hundred percent sure that she will like it. You might also be interested in: Elegant Entertaining: How To Throw Elegant Coffees, Dinner Parties Return to the top of Gift Etiquette Return to Etiquette Or Manners? Go back to homepage Tags: Gift Etiquette, wedding gift etiquette, graduation gift etiquette, sympathy gift etiquette, gift giving etiquette, engagement party gift etiquette, A truly elegant taste is generally accompanied with excellency of heart.
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