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Holiday Gift Giving Without Looking Clueless

 gift giving

Giving gifts during the holidays can be tricky, expensive, and, at times, embarrassing if we “regift” improperly.  Follow along as I cover what most have queried in the past. 

Can Re-Gifting be Done Politely?

  • Of course, but it must be done very carefully.  Here are the rules:
  • The receiver shouldn’t know the original giver. 
  • The gift must be in the original packaging and never used. 
  • It shouldn’t be a unique or a useless gift. 
  • The original card should be removed. 
  • It should be something the giver is sure the receiver would want.

General Gift-Giving Suggestions

Often givers feel obligated so often don’t give thoughtful gifts.  Also, many are confused and do not know who they should give gifts to.  So, we should only give gifts to those whom we really want to give and consider the person as we choose the gift.  This also means that we can and should keep our gift-giving list intimate.

  • Give from the heart.
  • Something you feel the recipient would like. 
  • Give only to those you wish to give. 

Common Gift-Giving Questions

Q: Do I give to the parents of my son’s girlfriend? 

A: Typically, no.  Give only if you are very close friends. 

Q: If my child has more than one teacher, do I give gifts to all? 

A: Give only to those teachers your child has a good relationship with and wants to give to.

Q: Do I give to my housekeeper?

A: This is optional.  If your housekeeper is the same person every time and you feel she/he does an excellent job, then it is a nice gesture to give.  

Q: Are gift cards appropriate to give?

A: As with other types of gifts, give the gift card the receiver would want.  Know the receiver well.  

Gift-Giving in the Workplace

Do (s)

  • Be aware of company policy about gift-giving.
  • Give thoughtful gifts.
  • Give gender-safe gifts like certificates to bookstores, coffee shops, and restaurants.
  • Give homemade baked goods—this is usually safe. 
  • Always wrap gifts or present them in nice baskets or bags. The wrapping should be appropriate and carefully chosen for each person. 
  • The bright pink wrapping may not be appropriate for an older executive male. 
  • Give when others are not around.  No one should feel left out. 
  • Always include a handwritten card.

Don't (s)

  • Don't give personal gifts such as perfume, religious connotation, jewelry, or clothing.
  • Don't give gifts to associates in front of others.
  • Don't give anything that you haven't put thought into because all gifts should be thoughtful.
  • Don't give alcohol; wine may be an exception.
  • Don't give expensive gifts to the boss; it is viewed as 'apple polishing'.
  • Do not give logo-bearing gifts for the holidays—tacky.
  • No gag gifts!!

More by The Polite One

How to Survive The Holidays When Daily Life Interferes

How-To Avoid the Holiday-Etiquette Fail

Holiday Dinner Party Etiquette: Minding Your Manners During the Holidays

 

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