By Linda Williams
The essence of this holiday season is the exchanging of gifts. We all know how to buy gifts—or do we? The meaning of the saying “It is more blessed to give than to receive” is that we should attain more happiness from giving gifts than getting them.
So is there an appropriate method to the giving of gifts? Absolutely! The following tips will guide you in gift-giving etiquette:
1. Make Thoughtful Choices Think about the person for whom you are buying the gift. What are their likes and dislikes? Do they have hobbies or collections that you can add to? Make the gift personable. Don’t buy clothing unless you know their size.
2. Refrain from Selecting Extravagant Presents Unless it’s for your spouse or child, buying a very expensive gift for someone can be embarrassing for them; especially if they did not do the same for you. Buying a moderately priced gift is usually a safe choice.
3. Make a List Create a list of people you want to buy gifts for before you shop. You might even think about a potential gift for them, so you have an idea of what you’re looking for.
4. Make a Budget Decide how much you want to spend before you go shopping. You don’t want to cut names from the list because you exceeded your budget.
5. Gift Cards Are Acceptable Some experts say you shouldn’t give gift cards becaure they’re impersonal. I love gift cards because it enables me to select something I like. My philosophy is: “I would rather have a gift card than a gift I don’t like or won’t use.” Make sure that the gift cards you buy don’t have expiration dates.
6. Grab-Bag Gifts Should Have a Minimum/Maximum Spending Limit The group should decide the dollar amount, and everyone should adhere.
7. Anticipate Individuals Who May Give You Gifts Make sure your list is comprehensive. Always keep a few extra presents on hand; gift cards to coffee shops, pharmacies, grocery stores or even gas stations are useful. If you don’t wind up needing them for gifts, you can keep them for yourself.
8. If You Someone Bought You a Present and You Didn’t Reciprocate Don’t stress. Thank them for the gift and send them a handwritten thank-you card. Make sure you add them to your list for next year!
9. Be Appreciative Even if you don’t like a gift, remember that the person took the time to buy it, and spent money for it. You should acknowledge the person’s thoughtfulness.
10. Re-Gifting Is Never Acceptable It displays bad manners to take a gift that someone selected for you and wrap it to give to someone else. There are other options for the present, like donating it to charity, but re-gifting should not be one of them.
As you enjoy this season of giving, make sure that each gift you select will bring a smile to you—and joy to person who receives it.
Linda Williams is a certified etiquette consultant and trainer from Westbury. Find out more at www.etiquettelifeskills.com.
