Close X
Sunday, November 24, 2024
ADVT 
Life

The 10 Rules of Holiday Gift Giving Etiquette

Darpan News Desk, 29 Nov, 2016 11:23 AM
    Thanksgiving is over and the holiday shopping season is in full swing. Buying all those gifts for everyone on your list can get expensive and overwhelming. How much do you spend? Do you have to buy for absolutely everyone? Is it alright to re-gift? What if you don’t know what to get them?
         
    Sharon Schweitzer, an international etiquette expert, author, and founder of Protocol & Etiquette Worldwide, offers the 10 rules of holiday gift giving etiquette:  
     
    1. Avoid Asking “What do you want?” 
    If you don’t know what to get, try and figure it out. Consider their hobbies or what’s important in their lives. If they exercise every day, workout gear is probably a good choice. If they just moved into a new home, go for a housewarming gift. Remember, it’s about being thoughtful. 
     
    2. Re-gift Immediately and Don’t Get Caught!
    According to an American Express 2015 survey, 76% of U.S. Americans believe re-gifting is socially appropriate. If planning to do so, be sure to re-gift in different social and family circles. Also, remove all traces of the original giving, including handwritten notes and cards.
     
    3. You Don’t Have to Buy for Everyone! 
    Annually review your gift list. How has your relationship grown and evolved? Have you kept in touch via phone, email, or seen each other in person? Did you buy him or her a birthday gift? If the answers to these are no, evaluate the need for a gift. You want to avoid having a friend feel truly forgotten, and sending a timely personalized holiday card will prevent hurt feelings.
     
    4. Follow Gift-Giving Policies 
    Research the policies of the college, school, office and organization. Be cautious about giving your professor or boss a gift—even if your university or office doesn't specifically forbid the practice because it could send the wrong message. Consider gift pools for charity.   
     
    5. Always Include Gift Receipts 
    Whether it is the holidays, or all year-long, including the gift receipt with every gift is an etiquette best-practice. If the recipient needs to exchange it because it's the wrong size, colour, or texture, why make it difficult? Avoid the awkwardness of them coming to you and asking for the receipt.
     
    6. Don’t Break The Bank
    It should be common sense by now, yet many people overspend and wrack up debt. Stay within your household budget. Gift giving is a blessing, not an obligation. Avoid overspending. January bills are unforgiving!  
     
    7. Avoid Matched Spending 
    When buying is driven more by pressure than thoughtfulness, it loses its meaning. When folks buy flamboyantly, hopefully they do so because they wish to, not because they expect anything in return. Most flamboyant gift buyers have everything they could wish for, so there's nothing luxurious that you can buy them that they can't buy for themselves. It's better to plan a thoughtful, sentimental gift without a hefty price tag. 
     
    8. Do Consider Couple Gifts 
    Once a family member or friend is in a serious relationship, gift giving may segue from individual gifts to couple gifts. For example, buy them a gift certificate to their favourite restaurant, and including a thoughtful note that shows your gracious holiday spirit. If they are engaged or newlyweds, check their registry for a treasure trove of ideas. 
     
    9. Be Genuine In Your Response to Surprise Gifts 
    If you receive an unexpected gift, be authentic in your response. Share that you are “surprised, and maybe slightly embarrassed that you don't have a gift ready for them.” It’s awkward to race to the gift closet and spring a last-minute gift on them. You may wish to send a thank you note with a small gift wishing them all the best in the coming year. 
     
    10. Holiday Tip
    With loyal, long term service providers, consider a holiday gratuity or tip. Visit our Holiday Tipping Guide and printable checklist if you choose to express gratitude with a ‘gratuity.’

    MORE Life ARTICLES

    Why people risk their lives to save others

    Why people risk their lives to save others
    People who risk their lives to save strangers may do so without deliberation, says a study, adding that extreme altruism may be largely motivated by automatic, intuitive processes....

    Why people risk their lives to save others

    Poor women blame early kids, bad partner for their agony

    Poor women blame early kids, bad partner for their agony
    Mothers living in low-income households blame having children early in life and a bad romantic partner for their sufferings that leads to depression and anxiety, a study noted....

    Poor women blame early kids, bad partner for their agony

    Thinking Of Getting A Generator? What To Know When Choosing One

    Thinking Of Getting A Generator? What To Know When Choosing One
    As storms have become more severe in many parts of the country and power outages more frequent, home generators have gone from luxury items to mainstream ones.

    Thinking Of Getting A Generator? What To Know When Choosing One

    Paris Catacombs, 'Empire Of Death,' Open At Night Just In Time For Halloween

    Paris Catacombs, 'Empire Of Death,' Open At Night Just In Time For Halloween
    PARIS - As if visiting the Paris Catacombs in the daytime wasn't creepy enough — you can now visit the underground maze of skeletons after nightfall, too. That is if you dare defy the warning at the entrance: "Stop, this is the empire of Death."

    Paris Catacombs, 'Empire Of Death,' Open At Night Just In Time For Halloween

    81-year-old woman does 100 push-ups daily

    81-year-old woman does 100 push-ups daily
    Li Guochuan from Fujian province has gained a reputation for her passion and skills in sports, Xinhua reported....

    81-year-old woman does 100 push-ups daily

    People feel relieved when friends decide on 'guilty pleasures'

    People feel relieved when friends decide on 'guilty pleasures'
    Do you feel guilt-free if your friend orders that mouth-watering chocolate mousse for you that you were craving for some time? You are not alone....

    People feel relieved when friends decide on 'guilty pleasures'