That’s the number of people who enjoy giving gifts rather than receiving them. It’s like the perfect retail commercial: someone gives a gift the other person absolutely wanted and rewards the giver with a big smile or warm hug.
However, there’s something left unsaid about those moments when they happen in real life. Something that means the difference between a glowing smile and a frown.
It’s called gifting etiquette. You’re not aware of it because it’s rarely talked about.
That’s okay! We’ll catch you up to speed with what you need to know about gifting rules.
Don’t Choose a Gift Based Off on Equal or Lesser Value
Gift-giving feels like a mind game. You assume what everyone else will be spending then adopt that budget as your own. Or, if you received a wonderful gift from the person you’re now shopping for, it has to be grander.
You’ll only drive yourself crazy by playing the guessing game.
Remember, it’s not about monetary value. If that’s how you approach it, you’ll risk making the receiver uncomfortable accepting an expensive gift.
Take the meaningful approach and put a lot of thought behind your choice.
Yes, You Can Re-Gift
However, there’s a big “but” involved. You cannot, for absolutely any reason, re-gift what the recipient gave to you. You’ll only hurt their feelings.
Now, you can re-gift certain items, but there are a couple of caveats to watch out for. Depending on the type of gift it is, it shouldn’t be monogrammed or personalized in any way.
It’s also respectful to discuss passing along what was given to you. Take challenge coins for example. Receiving one is a great honor, and knowing a full history of them, you’ll need to know it’s okay to give it away.
Another rule when re-gifting is to ensure the product comes in its original packaging. If it’s been opened but never used, try to enclose it as best you can. A bad tape job will give it away that someone had it previously.
Don’t Give a Gift Card Without This
There’s often a debate about gift cards and whether or not they’re impersonal. Sometimes they just make the most sense when it comes to certain people.
When gift cards are your first (and sometimes) only choice, always attach a note. Explain why you’re giving this to them in place of a tangible product. It’ll show you put thought into it and not because it was easy.
It’s Not Cool to Show Up Empty-Handed
Even if it’s just a get-together with some friends, don’t show up to your host’s home without something. They pulled out all the stops for you to have a good time, so it only makes sense to bring a gift to show your appreciation.
It doesn’t have to be extravagant or expensive. An appropriately priced bottle of wine, a scented candle, even a cake from the local bakery is enough. It says thank you in the best way possible.
Gifting Etiquette Demystified
Unwritten are the rules that are gifting etiquette. Now that you know what they are, you’ll have no trouble gift-giving moving forward.
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