Gift-giving etiquette according to Kiplinger.com:
When giving or receiving this holiday season, there’s a right — and wrong — way to go about it. For example, is it okay to re-gift? Do you know how to handle an unexpected present? Is an e-mail thank-you note acceptable?
Do you have to give a gift that has the same monetary value as a gift someone gave you?
No. Find the nicest thing you can give in your means.
When it comes to gift giving, you should make a list of people you want to give to and figure out how much you can spend on each, says Peter Post, co-author of The Etiquette Advantage in Business and Essential Manners for Couples. Going into debt to give lavish gifts is not appropriate.
Someone gives you a gift, but you weren’t planning on giving that person one. Do you have to reciprocate?
No. Just say: Thank you.
You don’t have to reciprocate if you receive an unexpected gift. And certainly don’t say: “I’ll have something for you tomorrow,” Post says. “That’s like trumping their gift,” he says. Just show your gratitude for the gift without making excuses for why you’re not giving one, too.
When you give a gift, should you include the gift receipt?
Definitely
Including a gift receipt is “the most wonderful thing in the world,” Post says. It says to a person: I thought you would like this, but if it’s not right, feel comfortable taking it back, and I’m making it easy for you.
Are thank-you notes necessary if you thanked the giver in person when you opened the gift?
No
Post says it would be nice to send a note in addition to thanking someone in person, but it’s not required. The exception: wedding gifts. On any occasion, though, it’s always best to send a hand-written note if you aren’t able to thank someone in person for his or her gift. E-mail notes aren’t preferred but are better than nothing, Post says.
Is it okay to give gifts to people who don’t celebrate the same holidays you do?
Yes, as long as it’s not a religious gift.
Post says it’s always nice to give gifts. Gifts are a way of telling people they’re important and appreciated. Just don’t proselytize your religion with your gift.
Should you give your boss a gift?
No, it might look like you’re kissing up.
Post says don’t give your boss a gift — unless there is just one or two of you in the office. You don’t want gift giving in the office to become a competition to win favor. On the other hand, it is okay to give a colleague a gift. But don’t do it during work hours if you’re only giving to just one person — or a select few — in your office.
Gift cards are popular, but are they a cop-out?
Not necessarily. They’re acceptable now.
Gift cards are a good example of how etiquette changes over time, Post says. Gifts are nicer because they require more thought. However, gift cards are becoming more accepted as an appropriate form of gift. And they’re definitely better than cash.
If you are hosting a party, are you required to serve the wine, chocolate or other gifts your guests bring?
No, not if you didn’t ask them to bring anything.
A host is not required to use gifts guests bring to a party. And guests aren’t required to bring anything, unless asked. So don’t feel like you have to take a host or hostess gift to every holiday party you attend.
Are lingerie, cologne or perfume and alcohol appropriate gifts to give an acquaintance?
Lingerie and any intimate apparel are definitely off-limits as gifts for anyone other than a romantic partner. Cologne and perfume also are inappropriate because they have romantic undertones. And you shouldn’t give alcohol to someone you don’t know well because that person might have a moral objection to it or be a recovering alcoholic.
Is it okay to re-gift?
No, it’s dishonest.
“You will get caught,” and it’s more embarrassing than not giving a gift at all, Post says.
Article taken from kiplinger.com
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