Global Holiday Gifting and Getting
How to Give Gifts that Are Culturally Appropriate Anywhere in the World
Gift-giving can be a little tricky when giving gifts to international friends and associates. Cultural differences can turn a terrific gift at home into a terrible no-no abroad. With the holiday season upon us, here are some important cross-cultural considerations when sending gifts to your international friends and business associates.
Sending a gift is always appreciated. Sending the culturally appropriate gift will insure a positive memory that will endure long after the gift is gone...and avoid a faux pas that could be difficult to overcome.
Style can be as important as substance. Sometimes the wrapping is as important as the gift. Color, style and design carry different meanings in different countries. For example, in East Asia both white and black are colors associated with funerals, while red means health, wealth and happiness. So, a gift presented in a white box is not appreciated in East Asia. Red or gold wrapping is much preferred, and no gift, no matter how small, should ever be presented unwrapped. Wrap a gift to your Muslim colleagues in the Arab world in green…
