The 6 Biggest Gift-giving Etiquettes Mistakes You Can Avoid {Master The Art Of Gift-giving Etiquette With These 6 Powerful Tips}

Gift-Giving is the lifeblood of every relationship. Giving is an expression of love, appreciation or care. It is love in action and on the move. Without giving, it is impossible to authenticate the claim of Love. They said “where giving stops, love start dying”.

Enough!

But like anything else in this world, there’s a right way to do it and a wrong way to do it. In this article, we are going to look at the six major gift-giving etiquette mistakes and how you can avoid them.

Why is this topic important?

Answer-

Simply because gift giving consist of definite etiquette, that when it’s broken, can result to embarrassment at the least, and possibly hurt relationships in more severe circumstances. Whether it’s part of a business trip or social “give-and-take”, or even visiting family member or friends in another part of the world, there are certain rules and expectations regarding gift giving that are ethnically important and must be observed- if you don’t intend to flop in your gift-giving venture.

What is gift giving etiquette?

Gift giving etiquette relates to the general code of behavior that defines expectations for social behavior according to current conventional norms within a community, social class or group. It involves being alert of the dos and don’ts of gift giving.

The following questions must be answer if you truly want to get it; 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?

If you can honestly and accurately answer the above questions, your gifting work is all most done.

If you reading this article from the top, you must have observed that I underlined and bolded the phrase “ethnically important”, it was done for a reason.

When we talk about the etiquette of gift giving, it’s essential to note that not all gift giving rules of etiquette are universal. Some are unique to a particular culture or setting. For instance, in China it’s quite common, even expected for the giver to ask the recipient what gift he or she would like to receive and also you are not to give a gift of great value until a clear relationship is established. This could cause embarrassment and may not be accepted.

In some countries gifts are generally not opened upon receiving while in Canada, when receiving a gift, usually it is opened immediately when received and in front of the gift giver.

In business setting, gift giving is always reciprocal and a failure to observe this custom could destroy an otherwise prosperous relationship.

Enough! Again?

Yes, I just want to make sure you are flowing with me-

However, there are general courtesy rules of gift-giving that are universal , even though , they are on minority but  for the sake of time, we are not going to cover that within the context of this article, perhaps, we will do that in future post.

So, what are those mistakes and their remedies?

Mistakes of gift giving are understood sometimes, but some mistakes are simply rude. How do we navigate the waters of giving out gifts and receiving without offending?

 Here are a few tips to help you out:

Mistake No.1

 Trying to give a gift that has the same monetary value as a gift someone gave you- Yes, you don't want to look cheap. In fact, you feel you should spend more- right? 

Please resist the urge of match spending; listen, when buying gifts is driven more by pressure than thoughtfulness, it loses its meaning. That kind of giving causes regret because you are giving under pressure and pressure is not the right for good gift-giving. Going into debt to give lavish gifts is not appropriate- always have a budget and shop accordingly. Find the best thing you can give that is within your means.

Mistake No.2

Trying to reciprocate, when someone gives you a gift, but you weren’t planning on giving that person one.  When you receive such gifts, you are like to do any of the following: make up an excuse for why you don't have the person’s gift yet or just, thank you. 

Listen-You are not under any compulsion to reciprocate if you receive an unexpected gift. And certainly making up an unnecessary excuse is absolutely wrong. Just express your appreciation for the gift. Tell them you’re touched, surprised—and perhaps slightly embarrassed that you don’t have anything for them—and let that be it,” Ingram says.

But in some culture like Chinese, people believed that courtesy demands reciprocity, meaning that decent people return favors and kindness. Whenever someone receives a gift, treat or invitation from a friend, they will try to offer one back on a suitable instance. This routine of gift exchange is considered essential to build strong relationship bond between people.

Mistake No.3

Not adding the gift receipt in the gift- there are many parts to this issue.

Firstly, including a gift receipt is the best and most brilliant thing to do.  You are simply saying to the recipient:” I thought you would like this, but if it's not right, feel comfortable taking it back, and I'm making it easy for you”

What if sometimes you get a gift that was on clearance? Maybe, you don't want them to know how much you spent. “I include a gift receipt, unless I buy something that doesn't come with one (like from a small independent store).  But I only buy that kind of gift for someone who I know will really like it, since that's risky!” says BeccaLandes

Always include a gift receipt whenever possible-No matter who the receiver is, ensure to add the receipt to the gift. “If they need to exchange it because it’s the wrong size or they have it already, why make it more difficult for them?” Ingram asks. “And above, they may end up asking for the receipt anyway, which can create awkwardness and hurt feelings.” If you want to get it right with gift-giving etiquette, this option is debatable.

Mistake No.4

Asking the gift receiver what he/she wants. Understand that in some culture “asking the receiver” is allowed but generally speaking, it’s not the right thing to do-unless it’s a family member or very close acquaintance. Asking the person what he/she wants may make the recipient feel indebted to get you something in return. If you’re fixed in picking something for them, consider their hobbies or interest or their occupation.

What if the gift turn out to something they might not like? There you are, always include the gift receipt whenever possible.

Mistake No.5

Giving in the workplace; gift-giving in the work can have big implications, for instance, buying extravagant gift for your boss might look like a suck-up. Always follow workplace gift-giving policies. For instance, some businesses/offices organize gift exchanges to simplify gift-giving, you can seize such opportunity to show your appreciation to a colleague who make your day run smoothly, such as a receptionist or assistant, with a thoughtful homemade or personalized gift.

Mistake No.6

Thinking it’s too late to send a gift; “You attended the Party but still haven’t sent a gift. How bad is that? Under the rules of traditional etiquette, all gifts should be sent before, or delivered at, the celebration, whether it’s a wedding, birthday, shower, or Bar Mitzvah. But before you start declining social invitations because you can’t get your gift act together, remember that the rules are just a loose guide.”

 “It’s never too late to send a gift,” says Letitia Baldrige, author of New Manners for New Times ($35, Scribner’s, amazon.com). If you’re only a little late, send an e-mail or telephone as soon as you realize the oversight. “Say, ‘I blew it and let your celebration pass by. A gift is on its way,’” says Leah Ingram, author of Gifts Anytime: How to Find the Perfect Present for Any Occasion ($17, ASJA Press, amazon.com). If you’re embarrassingly late, check in with the giftee first. “Even if it’s 10 years late, you can still send the gift―just make sure the recipient is living at the old address,” says Baldrige. In any case, employ a little self-deprecating humor. Says Ingram, “Making fun of your memory makes you seem humble and your feelings more genuine.”

Good gift giving rules is truly all about considering the person you are buying gift for, leaving your feelings at the door and giving with a pure heart. If you can do these things with absolute consistency, you will be handsomely rewarded.

Hope to hear your views in the comment section.

Nathan

Share on Google Plus

About Unknown

This is a short description in the author block about the author. You edit it by entering text in the "Biographical Info" field in the user admin panel.