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The practice of giving and receiving gifts is something that every culture in the world shares. From simple handmade trinkets,
to expensive jewelry, the world is exchanging gifts. And with each gift comes thoughtfulness. It is a thoughtfulness from the person
who searched or made the precious item, to the wonderful thoughts that the receiver has about the gift-giver. This shared anticipation
and excitement is really what gift giving is all about. |
There are endless reasons to give gifts throughout the year: personal gifts for birthdays, weddings, housewarming, hostess gifts, graduations, and holidays, as well as business gifts to say, "Thank you" for a job well done, or "Congratulations" on your success.
The purpose of giving gifts is to bring joy to both the giver and
receiver, promote goodwill, and make for a closer relationship.
To
avoid any ill-effects from your gift-giving practices, keep in mind these
simple tips:
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1. Be sure of the true purpose of the gift. Beyond saying the gift is for a particular holiday or occasion, think through how well this
gift will express your feelings for this person. To figure this out, ask yourself: How much do I really care about this person? How much time, energy,
and money am I willing to spend to select just the right gift for him or her? Let the answers guide you throughout this process.
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2. Do your homework about the receiver.
Be observant about his or her favorite items, things he or she might need, or things that would be a meaningful expression of your
relationship. Try to remember comments about favorite colors, foods, or beverages. As needed, ask someone else who knows
the person to give you some new ideas. |
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3. Be sensitive to personal and cultural differences. With such a diverse population in our society, it is important to learn
something about a person’s ethnic, religious, and cultural practices along with their personal likes and dislikes, before you present a gift.
Take time to learn what’s appropriate and what’s not in different communities to gain insights on what a person would or would not appreciate
as a gift. |
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4. Present your gift with style. The best way to present a gift is always beautifully wrapped and in person. And when you do,
present your gift held with both your hands as though you are holding it on a silver platter. This ritual is adopted from Asian culture to show
the utmost respect and care. In business situations, when sending the gift by messenger or mail, include yourbusiness card with the gift,
along with a handwritten note on personal note card or stationary. |
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