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Gift-giving is a great way to show your loved ones and friends how much you care. But, it can also be tricky. It’s common to make mistakes, especially when giving gifts that are more personal than business-related.
A gift should be something the recipient really wants or needs. If you give something that the recipient doesn’t need, it may come off as a selfish gesture or even an insult to them. It can be a good idea to get them a small token item (like a bottle of wine) or a gift card to a local store that they like, so that the gift doesn’t appear to be too big or too expensive.
If you’re not sure what the recipient wants, it’s a good idea to ask them in advance for a list of their preferences. This will help you avoid buying them something they already have, or if you’re buying for a friend or family member who has a lot of gifts, it will give you an idea of their tastes.
Unless you’re shopping for someone who lives in your home country, it’s not a good idea to buy a gift that relates to their nationality or culture. It’s best to stick with things that are universally appreciated.
For example, a gift that focuses on a person’s hobby or interest is often well received by people from a different background. You might also want to consider purchasing a gift that the recipient will enjoy using, such as an exercise equipment or sportswear.
It’s also a good idea to keep an eye out for gifts that have cultural significance, such as Chinese New Year items. These can be very important to Chinese friends, so you’ll need to take this into account when selecting what to give.
You should never give anything sharp, such as a knife or scissors. This is considered bad luck in China, as it is thought to sever relationships. Similarly, giving fruit is bad as it can be associated with death in some cultures.
Another thing to avoid is candles and other decorative lighting. Candles are used as offerings for the dead in Chinese culture, so giving them as a gift is not recommended.
In addition, you should never give a gift that has an odd number. Odd numbers are ominous, and the number four is considered to be a bad omen.
It’s always a good idea to bring a small gift when visiting a family or friend’s home. This can be flowers, a box of chocolates, or a souvenir from their country.
Regardless of what you give, always remember to send a thank-you note after the event. This shows your host that you took the time to think of them and appreciate their hospitality.
Besides, you’ll be surprised at how happy your host will be when they know you took the time to consider their interests and tastes. Plus, it can be a really nice gesture to write your own thank-you note!
