Everyone loves a gift! The act of gift-giving can often foster positive relationships between friends and family or even between co-workers or to clients, employees or to a boss. But before giving a gift (especially at work), check to make sure that you follow the appropriate rules of etiquette for your gift. In today’s blog post, I will offer some essential protocol for corporate gift-giving and receiving, including gifts across cultures. I’ll also go over how you can enroll in my etiquette classes for adults to help polish your professional skillset.
Gift-Giving and Receiving: Etiquette Tips for the Business Professional
Of course, it’s also very important to check with your supervisor about any company policies concerning gifts. It may be that your employer doesn’t allow this. If your company does allow gifts, remember to keep the following tips in mind when considering what to give or how to accept a gift…
- After receiving a gift, respond ASAP with a phone call. Then, follow up with a hand-written Thank You note. Avoid texting a “thank you” unless as a last resort.
- Plan to write any hand-written Thank You notes within 24 hours after receiving the gift, if possible.
- When gifts are not allowed, I advise my clients to gift a homemade treat (such as chutney, jam or homemade cookies). Make sure to package your gift in a beautifully wrapped container and always include a calling card with your name on it.
- Keep gifts simple and try to give something that the gift-receiver will recognize.
- Personalize the gift if possible (if you print the person’s name on the gift, this always goes over well).
- Avoid spending more than $25 – $50 on a gift.
- Check with your boss when giving gifts in the office.
- Never give clothes or personal products (such as fragrance).
- Never order a gift that you personally have not seen and approved of with your own eyes.
- Always include a return address and a nice handwritten card with a message inside the box.
Gift Suggestions
- Umbrella
- Chocolate
- A 20 OZ Crockpot
- A Flashlight with LED bulb
- Desk Calendar
- A Cell Phone Charger or Cell Phone Stand
- Custom Pens or Custom Address Labels
- Custom Thank You Cards
- A YETI Coffee Mug
- Any sports item (such as a t-shirt or mug from a favorite sports team)
- A Manicure Kit
- A Shoe Shine Kit
- A Candle (if you know the gift-receiver loves candles)
Gift Giving and Receiving across Cultures
When traveling for business or pleasure, you should plan to give gifts (either as an icebreaker or as a token of respect and gratitude). Gift giving can be complex, with many etiquette rules across cultures. Gifts need to be planned ahead of time. They should always prepared with a knowledge of the rules of etiquette for the culture of the person receiving the gift.
India
- When you receive a gift from someone from India, Pakistan or Sri Lanka, do not open in the presence of the gift-giver.
- Do not give white flowers as a gift…this is a big “no-no”.
- For Hindus, giving presents eases the transition into the next life. It is not the value of the gift that matters, but the sincerity with which it is given.
Japan
- Gifts are very important to the Japanese. It is essential to give a gift to new bosses, business partners, hosts or when you return from a trip.
- Presenting gifts can smooth the way for great relationships and can reinforce ties.
- A gift given in Japan will always be reciprocated, and attempts will be made to match the worth of the gift received.
- Recommended gift ideas include:
- Items from Great Britain (such as marmalade, cakes and biscuits)
- A Tie
- A Scarf
- Books with beautiful illustrated pictures
- Avoid cufflinks as a gift item.
- Never give a gift that has even numbers or four of one item.
- Avoid paper in black, blue, green or white colors. Instead, use pastel colors.
China
- In Chinese culture, the gesture is the most important gift. Always give a gift in return for a favor.
- Use red- or yellow-colored paper and avoid black and blue colors.
- Alcohol is not suitable for a gift in China.
- A pen or gourmet food are preferable gifts.
- Even numbers (except the number four) are considered auspicious, especially the number two, so giving a pair of something is ideal.
- Always give a gift with both of your hands.
- When receiving a gift, decline the gift three times before accepting (as this shows a lack of greed).
- Once you have accepted a gift, a “Thank You” and a slight bow is appropriate.
- Never open the gift in the presence of the giver unless they insist. In Hong Kong, this rule is less clear, so ask “ Should I open it now?”
Looking for Etiquette Classes for Adults to Refine your Personal or Professional Image?
Lisa Burdette offers private and group training in business etiquette, social graces and networking. She has successfully helped many adults and teens with polishing their professional image and increasing their personal confidence at work, in school and in their personal lives. In addition, Lisa has worked with corporate clients such as Toyota Corporation, The University of Texas at Dallas, TEXO (The Construction Association) and others to assist with workplace etiquette training and workshops.
Ready to elevate your employees’ social skills at your company’s next business event? Reach out via our Contact page or Book Online and request your session with Lisa today!
