Although gift-giving etiquette is different around the world, it is customary in almost every country to exchange gifts on certain holidays or to give someone a present on their birthday. Gifts may also be given when someone gets a promotion or graduates from high school or college. If you’re thinking of a nice way to celebrate, here are some general rules to keep in mind when looking for the perfect gift.
The Gift Should Be Thoughtful
A good gift is something that the receiver of the gift can use and will enjoy. If the recipient is your family member or friend, you should have an idea of their interests to pick out a present they will like. For example, if your sister-in-law collects teapots, you might want to hit an antique mall to find a unique pot for her. Such a gift shows that you care enough to spend time picking out a special item. If you’re giving a present to someone you don’t know well, taking time to find out one of their hobbies or interests will be much more thoughtful than giving gifts that are generic. Even if you’re only giving a bouquet of flowers, buying the recipient’s favorite kind or color will make the gift more meaningful.
A Handmade Gift Is Always an Option
If you don’t have money to buy a gift for someone, you can always opt to create a gift yourself. Making a necklace for your grandmother, crafting handmade soaps for a friend or assembling a coffee gift set for a colleague can be a great way to show appreciation or congratulations because it says that you took the time to create something nice for those who are important to you. Not only does it save you money, but it also lets you invest time in a present that has a personal touch to it. Those gifts are the ones that the recipient will remember and cherish.
Pay Attention to the Presentation
In some countries, the way a gift is wrapped says everything about the relationship between the giver and the recipient. It’s not such a big deal in America, but you still want to make sure the presentation of the gift looks nice and is appropriate for the occasion. When you purchase your gift, many retailers offer wrapping services if you want the gift to look professional and perfect. When making a gift by hand, you might try giving the wrapping a personal touch as well; using stamps on plain paper or wrapping with burlap material and hand-picked flowers can be a unique way to show someone you care.
