Different countries, different customs. This well-known saying still applies today, especially when it comes to giving gifts. Everyone knows their way around in their own country, but what if you are abroad or you would like to give a gift to an overseas friend or family member? If you're not sure where to start, this gift guide will help you skillfully avoid any mistakes and be well prepared for intercultural gift-giving!
The United States of America
There are many things the USA is known for, including celebrating festive occasions extensively:
- Weddings
- Christmas
- Thanksgiving
- Birthdays
- Mother's Day
- Halloween
- Independence Day on 4 July, and many other occasions!
Americans tend to be generous when it comes to gift giving. There are many rules about gift giving, but they all depend on the relationship between the giver and the receiver. If you are invited to the home of an American for the first time, a good bottle of wine is almost a must. You will hit the bull's eye with the Americans if you bring a gift from your home country. What you should avoid at all costs, however, is asking your host beforehand what he or she could use or would like to have (for a birthday or anniversary, for example).
Australia
Australians and Americans have a lot in common, and not just the language. The inhabitants of these two countries are also quite similar when it comes to giving gifts. If you are invited to dinner or one of the (world-famous) Australian barbecues, you should also come with a bottle of wine or high-class beer.
However, if you're not quite sure what to get an Australian friend, a gift card is just the thing. Australians see these cards, already loaded with a certain value, as a way of showing appreciation. Australians are also known for their love of coffee, so coffee gift baskets and the like are always appreciated. And if you're looking for another way to show your appreciation and have some fun, check out stay casino no deposit bonus codes where you can try your luck and win some great prizes.
Japan
In Japan, apart from the gifts themselves, there are also some culturally determined traps you can fall into. It all starts with the handing over of a gift, because this must be done with both hands. The reason for this lies in the world-renowned politeness that Japanese people always put above everything else.
Moreover, do not expect your Japanese counterpart to open the gift immediately. It is also considered polite to do so at a later time. If the nature of the meeting is business-related, then a small gift must also be presented as a sign of respect.
China
From a Western perspective, it can be particularly difficult to choose the perfect gifts for friends in China. The customs surrounding the acceptance of gifts may cause many Europeans to be confused. For instance, if the gift is refused once or even twice, it doesn't mean it's not welcome or that the other person doesn't like it. It's simply an expression of good manners and respect. You also need to know that a gift will also be given to you at a later date. The reason for this lies in the Chinese custom of give and take. Never give a sharp object such as a set of knives to a Chinese person as this is a symbolic act of ending a friendship!
France
French customs around gift-giving are not that different from German or Austrian customs. An invitation to a meal, for example, is appreciated with a small gift. However, there are differences in the type of gift, because it should be something that can be eaten or drunk with the meal.
If you want to make an impression on your French host, bring a bottle of French wine or a French cheese. But be careful here too, because if you go for the lower end of the price scale, people in France will take this as a sign of disrespect.
India
Some gift-giving mistakes can also be made in India, which Europeans sometimes find difficult to understand. The country is known in Europe for many things, including excellent cuisine and culture, but hardly anyone will know the gift-giving customs. Gifts of money, for example, must always be made in an amount ending in a one. This symbolises a new beginning.
In India, one should also be careful when choosing the colour of the wrapping paper. Bright colours like green, yellow or red are Indian lucky charms. Never, never, never give an Indian person a gift with your left hand, because the left hand is considered unclean in Indian culture.
