The most difficult thing about giving someone a gift is finding personal ideas they’ll love.
Consequently, we want to share some important gift giving etiquette. In this article, we’re exploring numerous tips to help make the gift-buying experience easier and more enjoyable.
Gift Giving Etiquette to Take Note of
There’s something about giving a loved one a gift that fills our heart. It’s amazing to see the look on their face – filled with gratitude and happiness, they’re overwhelmed with the thought involved. There are many occasions in which we give gifts. This includes: birthdays, Christmas, special occasions, visiting someone for the first time and many more. Of course, you shouldn’t feel as though it’s mandatory as this takes away the love and excitement.
Here are some ways to ensure you have a healthy gift giving etiquette.
1. Make it Thoughtful and Personal
The best gifts are those which are truly personal and reflect that you’ve thought about the person. Think to a time when you received a gift which only you would appreciate. How heart-filling did that feel? This is the main objective which everyone aspires to have. However, it’s not always that easy. Begin by writing a list of the receiver’s interests and passions. Try to be as specific as possible and really delve into their inner self. Do they love reading? Are they obsessed with a certain food?
More often than not, it’s about the thought that the gift represents, rather than the gift itself. Consider items the person may need, rather than want. For a romantic partner, a sentimental gift is a great idea. Although, for a friend, you may wish to buy a gift which reflects a moment/time in your lives together.
2. Office Gift Giving Etiquette
If you work in an office environment, the chances are that you’ll purchase a gift for at least one employee. It’s important that you take into consideration other people’s beliefs and cultural differences. Therefore, we suggest avoiding any gag gifts which could upset anyone in the office. If you’re purchasing for a co-worker you’re not particularly close with, a gift card is a great idea. Consider what you know about them to make the purchase as useful to their lifestyle as possible. For example, if you notice that they’re always buying from a particular store, then that’s a safe bet. On the other hand, opt for a large store where you can buy a variety of products from. A superstore or department store is a suitable idea.
3. Wedding Gift Giving Etiquette
If you’re contemplating gift giving etiquette for weddings, firstly you should respect the wishes the happy couple make. For example, if they ask that you donate money to a charity rather than them, then respect their requests. Alternatively, some newly-weds don’t want any gifts/money at all. Therefore, it’s equally as important to listen to their wishes. Also, if a couple have spent time creating a gift list, then they’re obviously items they’re genuinely want/need. If you don’t stick to the list, then your gift might be returned to the store.
Depending on how well you know the couple, you may wish to personalize their gifts to add a meaningful touch. For example, invest some time and thought into a gift with a poem, collage of pictures or slideshow of memories. This shows how much you care and love the couple and want them to be at their happiest. Also, you don’t always have to purchase a tangible gift. A presentation of wonderful memories is equally as generous as a toaster.
Here are two ideas to a wedding gift giving etiquette.
Qualtry Monogram Wood Coasters for Drinks
These wood coasters are ideal if you don’t know the newly-weds that well. Made from heavy-duty bamboo, these coasters are each over ½-inch thick. As a result, they exude luxury and class and make a great gift giving etiquette. Customize the letters and symbols to match the newly-weds. Not only will they protect tables and counters from spillages, but they make a room look presentable too.
Depending on what the couple asks for, these are a perfect small gift to add to a collection of presents. On the other hand, they’re also great for couples who aren’t requesting a lot. Sometimes you think this is out of politeness. However, if they’re downsizing their home, they may not have sufficient storage space for accessories and ornaments.
Mr. Right and Mrs. Always Right Couples Coffee Mugs
These Mr. Right and Mrs. Always Right coffee mugs make an excellent wedding present. Presented in a marble box, they’re packaged with a silk-finished interior. As a result, they’re high-quality and make a sensational gift. Presentation is key, and these mugs will bring a smile to anyone’s face. Each set is romantic and beautiful with a unique marble pattern on each product. They’re sturdy and strong, and the gold lettering stands out on each mug. With such a beautiful presentation, they’re perfect for a newly-wed couple. On the other hand, they’re also highly suitable for an engagement gift.
3. Group Gifts are Completely Acceptable
Several minds can be better than one. It’s perfectly acceptable to group with other guests/friends to combine your money. By each of you putting a fixed amount into a pot, you’re able to purchase important, thoughtful gifts. Alternatively, you could also purchase one main gift. However, ensure that you know the person well enough to gift something they’ll truly use/appreciate.
4. Consider Presentation
The presentation of a gift can completely transform its meaning. Don’t rush the wrapping process. Instead, purchase personal wrapping paper which means something to the receiver. For example, if their favourite animal is dogs, like a dog-inspired wrapping paper is personal to them. Ensure that the gift is neatly wrapped. This includes even folding an all sides. You may wish to go the extra mile with a gift bag and tissue. Complete with a bow for a beautiful finish.
5. Consider Buying a Gift for Guests During the Holiday Season
The holiday season is about giving and not receiving. Therefore, to maintain a high standard of the gift giving etiquette, we suggest purchasing guests a little gift. This not only makes them feel welcome into your home, but shows you thought of them and care. However, you shouldn’t expect that the guests have bought something for you.
Here are two gift ideas for guests during the holiday season.
Thymes - Frasier Fir 3-Wick Seasonal Ceramic Wax Candle
This candle offers a warm and festive smell each time you light it. There’s a mixture of relaxing sandalwood and fresh cedarwood to create a warm smell. As this candle uses high-quality resources and materials, it offers a burn lasting up to 100 hours. Also, each time you light it, it smells the same and doesn’t fade. Presented in beautiful packaging, this candle makes a perfect gift for a house gift. You may also wish to combine this gift with a heart-felt holiday card to make your guests feel welcome.
Festive Gourmet Christmas Gift Basket
This festive Christmas gift basket is filled with all the delicious food and snacks you need to impress guests. It’s an ideal gift for men, women, couples and families. Filled with a selection of delicious food, this hamper is great for people not travelling far. Always consider how your guests will transport your gifts. For example, if they’re travelling by airplane/train, it’s unfair to expect them to traipse a large gift around with them. This gift basket is packed with Brie cheese spread, chocolate truffle cookies, snickerdoodle cookies and much more.
6. Allow Enough Time for The Special Occasion
Proper planning and organization is key for the best gift giving etiquette. Firstly, ensure that you order/purchase the gift as well in advance as possible. This takes into consideration any holiday mail delays or unexpected breakages. Also, you should give the gift to the receiver well in advance. If it’s for a Christmas gift, create a plan to give it to them at least one week before 25 December.
What Are Your Tips on Gift Giving Etiquette?
We hope the above tips make it an easier process to buy people gifts. However, it’s also important to consider how you react when receiving one. Firstly, don’t compare one gift to another – mentally or aloud. There are many reasons why people can’t compete with other people’s budgets. Secondly, always say “thank you” and genuinely mean it. No matter the gift, it’s the thought that truly counts.
Do you have any tips on gift giving etiquette? If so, share your thoughts and advice in the comments to inspire others.
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