Jefferson Cup from
Monticello, Thomas
Jefferson’s Estate
strive to outdo you in generosity,
while keeping tab how you do. This
goes beyond dollars and cents, it
crosses into understanding his
culture and respecting its
achievements.
Never give or ask for liquor, as it is
forbidden by the Islamic religi on.
Never give gift for a wife or wives,
but gifts for children are welcome.
Do not consider gifting at first
meeting, as it may be interpreted as a
bribe, as well as a host losing face.
Blown Glass
Paperweight from Seattle
teaching of Muhammad, called the
Koran or Quran, may often flatter to
your host and useful in learning to
understand him.
For women to gift in the Arab
world, should be viewed with
utmost caution.
Russia
Gifts are frequently exchanged
during toasts at dinner. It is rare
to happen in an office, conference
room, or boardroom.
Latin America
Avoid junk gifts. Art books, CDs, and the
like are appreciated. So are desk sets.
Friendships, business relationships,
etc. appear to be rapid, but
be careful.
American and German workmanship
are appreciated.
Be prepared with some type of gift
when going to anyone’s house.
Do not appear to contrive presenting
the gift when the recipient is alone.
It could make you both look suspect.
Items depicting animals may carry a
connotation of bad luck.
But business gifts are inappropriate
until a friendly relationship has been
established.
A company gift that reflects the
recipient’s taste or something special
about the source like a paperweight
made from the marble or the stone of
the firm’s home state or an
ornamental bowl engraved with the
state flower.
Do not profusely admire an Arab’s
possessions or he may make a gift of
them.
There is an exception. To ask for an
English-language copy of the
Women have to be extremely careful,
as even business gifts are wrong.
Most women would be better to err
on the side providing no gifts. The
exception is gifts for children. They
are always appreciated.
Gifts are best given during a long lunch.
Logo gifts should offer a unique tie
to your company.
Amazing though it may seem,
perfume for women is not too
personal, especially from your
home state.
Do not admire a Latin’s collection of
anything effusively or he make you a
gift of it.
Purchasing gifts at home is the
safest, but beware of too much,
or being ostentatious or expensive.
Check out the customs where you
are visiting.
When you have the privilege of a meal
or overnight stay, be sure to
compliment the host on his home,
children, and food served. Say what
you would enjoy receiving as
compliments in your own home.
Summary
Obviously, I have only included a few
geographic locations. For most
countries we visit, our books, CDs,
and local products work the best. I
had a collection of Zippo money clip/
knives, and lighters (now passé), but
the chest is just about empty. We
need to stock up on some pens, more
of our books, so I am ready for Fall.
I find gifting easier in the U.S., as I
have a relatively good understanding
of the various cultures. I wish it were
true of the world.
I am going to add a list of many
well-received American gifts.
• American Indian art or jewelry
• Maple syrup
• US Stamps
• Photo book of US State or area
• Stetson hats
• Sunflower pines (Kansas)
• American sports equipment
• CD’s (Boston pops; jazz)
61
• Pen or desk set with company or
state insignia
• Pennsylvania Dutch items
• Oreo cookies
• Steuben glass
• Scrimshaw
• Mugs
• Road Atlas
• Gold plated aspen leaves
• US coins (not as valuable now as
they were
in the past)
• U.S. regional art
• Peanut butter
• Tool set
• Grand Canyon paperweights
• Framed photos of a religious or
historic site
• Macadamia nuts (Hawaii)
• Latest in children’s toys
• Liberty Bell miniatures
• Western Belt Buckles
• U.S. Pens
I am quite serious about bringing this
up-to-date with current trends and
would appreciate participation from
our readers. It will take me some time
to put the survey together. When it
is ready, I hope you will take part.
Remember, you can always email
letters to the editors at
[email protected].
The photos are by Maralyn D. Hill
unless otherwise noted. The gifts are
those like I’ve given or some I’ve
received that I treasure and
remember who gifted me with them.