Travel
F
or those of us who enjoy
giving and receiving gifts, it is
an easy assumption to make
that everyone does. They
don’t. For those who think
gifts don’t matter, they do. I know,
along with what I said above, it
seems completely contradictory, and
it is. Each culture and part of the
globe is different. I do not have the
information on all, but will share the
knowledge I do have.
This article focuses on gifts for the
business traveler, even though most
also apply to individuals. This applies
to those giving, as well as receiving.
Some of my information is based on
my own experience, others is adapted
and updated for Do’s and Taboos
Around the World, and Emily Post’s
Entertaining by Peggy Post, as well as
articles, tips and experiences I’ve
picked up along the way.
Gifts from your own country reflect
the best, especially your own state,
when possible. If you happen to be an
author, your signed books work
especially well. I’ve used these myself
and seen sales result from those
countries. Jazz, rhythm and blues and
popular CDs are also well-received.
Merchandise with your logo is an
advertisement and viewed as such.
I’ve made a living selling promotional
advertising and believe in it, but
subtle is better, i.e. small, embossed,
printed on the bottom, etc. Gaudy
does not work as a gift.
Sport teams merchandise is just the
opposite—especially those that are
winners. It is quite well appreciated,
as are college jerseys and hats. All
these years later, Chicago Bulls and
Bears hats are still appreciated.
There was a survey done quite some
time ago that I am thinking of
revising to see current trends. A
common denominator throughout was
fear of giving the wrong thing.
What’s important is knowing what is
important and why. This varies from
country to country. In Brussels
bringing a hostess beautiful
chrysanthemums is equivalent to
giving a Chinese client a new desk
clock. In both cultures, this is a
reminder of death, quite negative.
What works? A Zippo lighter used be
“golden,” now it is risky business. For
now, think PEN. Everyone writes,
these are safe, portable, you can
include a variety of levels from
modestly priced to luxurious,
depending on the circumstances.
The purpose of the gift ties into the
usefulness. At this point, pens are
still useful and used more than most,
hence a constant reminder. If at all
possible, the gift should originate in
the country you are coming from. On
occasion, a local gift may be required.
The thought does count but not as
much as taking the time to think of
the recipient as a person. For
example, if you are made aware that
the individual has longed to visit the
western U.S., you are wide open to
many gifts. One person said, “A
gesture too lavish can cause more
embarrassment than one too modest.”
Dropping certain American brand
names frequently has a magical effect.
If you are still at a loss and the family
has children, include some Disney
T-shirts, Muppet dolls, or a latest rage.
American cookbooks, if the hostess
reads English, Beeswax Candles, Indian
Pottery, Vermont maple syrup, or
something of that type.
If you are on the receiving end, here
are some tips. Carry personalized
stationary or thank you notes with
you and address to the individual’s
business or home address, as you go
along. You will appreciate this is done
when you are jet lagged. If you’ve
taken a photo along the way you can
send, it will be appreciated.
Gift giving gets complicated, so I will
attempt to break it up to regions.
Please keep in mind there are always
exceptions and a reason.
Western Europe
Business gifts are not generally given
on the first encounter.
Flowers are appreciated if sent
ahead, so the hostess does not have
the task of arranging them and it lets
those off the hook who did not bring
something.
it was payment for dinner.
Avoid logo gifts with large and
prominent display of your company
name/logo.
Avoid anything extravagant or cheap,
including the wrapping. Be sure to
enclose a blank card with a
handwritten note, not a business card.
In Britain, they enjoy entertainment
in the form of lunch dinner, drinks, or
a night at the theater or ballet over
gift giving.
Japan
(The following has been paraphrased from
“Do’s and Taboos Around the World.”)
Gift giving in Japan and its
excessiveness are best described by
writer Shintaro Ryo as, “Goodwill
forced on the recipients largely for
the purpose of creating a vague sense
of duty...and obligation.”
This has given practice to tar a
imawashi, where you get a gift that
has no value to you and you pass it on
to the next individual.
There are four types of gift giving
in Japan:
Gtri (duty) giving as described above.
Collective giving which is giri giving but
by a company or delegation of company
representatives, thereby relieving the
individual of obligation and keeping the
transaction impersonal.
Ulterior-motive giving, which by any
other name could be called a bribe.
Personal giving where there is a
genuine emotional bond.
There are two times a year when
business gifts are obligatory: July 15
(the midyear of Chugen) and January
Avoid giving 13 of anything, even flowers.
For French, chrysanthemums signify
mourning. Red roses are a gift
between lovers for French and
German. In France, records, art
prints, and books on latest
biographies, histories, and criticisms
and memoirs of presidents and
statesmen are appreciated.
Good chocolate and liqueurs are
always appropriate house gifts.
Small porcelain, silver, candlesticks,
etc. are always welcome.
House gifts should be given before
dinner. You do not want to insinuate
59
1 (year end or Toshidama).
Business gifts are frequently given at
first meetings. But do not embarrass
your Japanese counterpart by being
the only one to show up with a gift.
In any situation, it is better to allow
the other person initiate the giving.
After all, it is more his custom than
yours. So why not give him the
satisfaction of making the first move.
Avoid outgiving the Japanese—which
may be viewed as placing an
implication or obligation on them.
By the same token, your return
gift should not be dramatically
inferior in value.
Unless you have something for all,
give your gift while alone. Do not
expect it opened in front of you,
nor should you open yours. If he does
open yours or you his, do not show
a lot of expression. A simple head
bow and smile will do nicely. Do not
be insulted by the valueless gifts.
It is more the ceremony than
the sentiment.
The same rule does not apply to
you. Never give tacky or jokey logo
items, imprinted matchbooks,
T-shirts, bumper stickers, or
cheap ballpoint pens.
You will rarely be invited to a
Japanese home. If so, flowers are
appropriate. Be sure to check with
the florist that you are not arriving
with sixteen-petal chrysanthemums
reserved for the Imperial Family.
Other welcome gifts include
imported Scotch, cognac, frozen
steaks purchased at an airport
tax-free store.