What should I pay attention to as gifts? What should I pay attention to when giving gifts?

China has been a country of etiquette since ancient times, traditionally emphasizing reciprocity and reciprocity. Etiquette is the most classic and brilliant page of Chinese Confucian thought. Its influence is profound and still highly respected by people today. Therefore, giving gifts has become the most expressive way of communication. Objectively speaking, gift giving is constrained by time, environment, and customs; Subjectively speaking, giving gifts varies depending on the object and purpose. So giving gifts is also an art form.

Giving gifts is an important measure in interpersonal communication. A successful gift giving behavior can perfectly express one's friendliness, respect, or other special emotions to the recipient, and thus leave a deep impression on the recipient.

1. Gift giving guidelines

When giving gifts, we must consider the standards and taboos of gifting, and choose appropriate methods so as not to make mistakes or make the other party dislike them.

1) Standards for gift giving

When choosing, choose gifts that are practical, memorable, and not too rustic. To cater to their preferences as much as possible, it is necessary to emphasize originality, highlight commemorative significance, and not overly emphasize value and price. We do not advocate giving large amounts of cash, high-end goods, or precious jewelry to people without hesitation. In that case, not only will the recipient feel embarrassed about accepting bribes, but it will also give people a vulgar feeling.

Due to personal limitations, gifts may not necessarily be very avant-garde, but they should be as trendy as possible and not too tacky. Otherwise, not only does it mean that you have a bad eye, but it will also make the other party feel that you don't value them.

In addition, gifts given, especially in formal occasions, should be carefully packaged to give a pleasing feeling.

When giving gifts, the most important thing is to have a natural demeanor, act generously, and behave appropriately. Giving gifts to the recipient on site usually takes place after the meeting. At this point, stand up solemnly, approach the recipient, and hand the gift to them with both hands, as much as possible. If the gift is too large, you can ask someone else to help submit it, but it is best for the giver to actively participate and explain it to the other party. If there are multiple people giving gifts, it is best to start with the elders and then the younger generation, the ladies and then the men, and the superiors and then the subordinates, in order.

If you give a gift on someone else's birthday, you can say 'Happy Birthday to you' before giving it, which means it's a birthday gift.

To demonstrate one's attitude towards the other person, one can say, 'This is something I chose specifically' or 'I believe you will definitely like it'. Don't say things like "unprepared, bought temporarily" or "there's nothing good, make do with it", it will make your gifts and thoughts lighter and lighter all at once.

If the gift is relatively novel, it is also necessary to explain the specific purpose and usage to the other party, so that they can have a better understanding of the gift you give. When introducing the meaning of gifts, it is also important to say a few auspicious words, so that whoever listens will be happy in their hearts.

2) Domestic and international gift giving taboos

When choosing and preparing gifts, one should also consciously and proactively avoid the taboo of receiving gifts from the other party. For example, the following types:

Illegal or irregular gifts. For example, when national civil servants perform official duties, even if the relationship is special, we should not give any gifts. When giving gifts to foreign friends, it is also important to consider not violating the current laws of the other party's country.

Bad vulgar gifts. When choosing gifts, especially for those who are not deeply connected or for people from other regions or foreigners, it is necessary to consciously ensure that the gifts do not contradict or conflict with the customs and habits of the other party's location. Under any circumstances, it is important to firmly avoid giving gifts of items that the other party considers immoral. In most parts of our country, elderly people taboo bells pronounced as "end", while lovers dislike umbrellas and pears pronounced as "scattered" or "separated". In the Arab region, drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited, and of course, alcoholic gifts are not popular.

Private gifts are taboo. For various reasons, people may avoid certain items. For example, people with hypertension cannot eat foods with high fat and cholesterol, and people with diabetes cannot eat foods with high sugar content. If you give a private gift to someone, they will actually think that you haven't taken them seriously and don't respect them.

Harmful gifts. There are some things that are not only beneficial but also harmful to people's work, study, life, physical health, and family happiness. For example, cigarettes, spirits, gambling equipment, as well as vulgar and low-quality books, magazines, audiovisual products, etc. Giving this type of gift may appeal to their liking, but there is inevitably suspicion of intentional harm.

Advertising gifts. Don't give things with advertising logos or slogans to others easily. Otherwise, it will make the other party suspect of using cheap labor and promoting for free on your behalf. And don't give outdated or useless things to others, otherwise it will only prove that you underestimate others.

For foreign friends, in addition to the above five points, special attention should also be paid to other taboos, such as:

Do not give away valuable items such as medicine, cash, securities, jewelry, etc. Generally, you can give away souvenirs, flowers, or buy a small toy for the other party's children. However, foreign people pay great attention to the outer packaging of gifts, so it is necessary for us to put more effort into the outer packaging of gifts.

Refusing gifts is not allowed. If you refuse for some reason, you must be gentle and resolute, and cannot procrastinate.

When interacting with foreign people, especially those from Europe and America, due to the differences in cultural backgrounds between the East and the West, whether it is giving gifts or receiving gifts, we should not say things that we consider to be very modest, such as "a small gift, please accept it with a smile" or "receiving it with shame", otherwise it will make the other party unhappy or even embarrassed.

When giving gifts to Americans, it is advisable to satisfy their special curiosity and give them some handicrafts, wine or spirits. Be sure to bring out the gift before or after the socializing. In addition, they believe that snails and horseshoes are mascots.

To give something to British people, it is important to give something that is not expensive but meaningful. They believe that lilies mean death, so they should avoid giving them. And they have the habit of opening gifts in person.

To Germans, you can give gifts that are affordable, unique, and exquisite, and the outer packaging should also be the same.

When giving gifts to French people, they only need to give a few unbound flowers, but they avoid giving gifts when they first meet.

When giving gifts to Japanese people, you can consider branded gifts, but they may not necessarily be expensive gifts. They have the habit of forwarding their gifts to others, so do not engrave or draw on the gifts for their convenience in the future.

When giving gifts to Koreans, it is best to give them a local specialty from their own country, ethnicity, or region.

When giving gifts to Arabs, it is important to choose valuable items, branded items, or colorful items. But they don't like purely practical things and cannot give away old items or alcohol. And I'm not used to giving or receiving gifts when I first meet.

People who believe in Islam cannot give gifts in human form, nor can they give alcohol. They believe that alcohol is the source of all evil. Also, do not send sculptures or pictures of women.

Sending flowers to Russians requires sending an odd number, and the most taboo is giving money, as they believe it means giving and insulting.

What gifts to give, when and how to give them are often a problem that troubles people. Even having the deepest love is sometimes futile. It is obvious that personal gifts cannot be perfunctory with popularity, and many gifts involve issues of customs and styles. Understanding both aspects will dispel one's doubts and concerns.

2 Gift giving methods and occasions

The most important thing when giving gifts is to make them happy rather than embarrassing. To avoid the latter, here is a basic rule: do not give extravagant and wasteful gifts to your acquaintances and friends in informal situations. For example, no matter how wealthy the guest is, if she gives the hostess a beautifully packaged and antique gift box, it will make her unable to bear it. A man giving a woman a jewelry ring can make her feel awkward, but her husband doing so can make her extremely happy.