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Why Give a Gift Basket?

Gift Baskets are versatile and always well received. They can come in many sizes and styles. The basket and the memories they create can last for years. They also can be a great “wrapping” for that very special present. We had one client who wanted to give his client some Red Sox Tickets, but wanted to do something extra special. We created a basket filled with snacks for the game, 2 Red Sox’s Caps, a pennant, and other Sox souvenirs. Another client wanted to “Pop the question” to his girl friend, we hid the ring in the basket and filled it with some of her favorite things, based upon our “Pamper Her Basket”. We can tell you she said…“Yes”.

 Delivery Procedures

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Gift Giving Do’s and Don’ts

PACIFIC RIM COUNTRIES:

Japan

To the Japanese, gift giving is a way of communicating respect, friendship, and appreciation. When meeting with a Japanese colleague or visitor for the first time, always be prepared for the gift giving ritual that has been deeply rooted in the Japanese culture for centuries.

• Gifts need not be extravagant, although expensive gifts are not viewed as a bribe.
• When meeting with a group of Japanese professionals, be sure to give higher quality gifts to those with more senior rank within the company.
• Always wrap the gifts you present, but remember to avoid white and brightly colored wrapping paper. White symbolizes death and bright colors are too flashy.
• Never surprise the Japanese recipient with your gift. Subtly alert the recipient that you would like to present a small memento.
• When presenting a group gift, be sure to allow time for the entire group to gather before making the presentation. When meeting with a group of Japanese colleagues, either present a group gift or a gift to each individual within the organization. It is considered extremely rude to present a gift to one individual in a group, without giving gifts to the rest of the ensemble.
• Downplay the importance of the gift. This is common in the Asian culture. It conveys the message that the relationship is more important than the gift
• Always present the gift with two hands. This is also true with presenting business cards.
• Gifts are normally exchanged at the end of the visit.
• Avoid giving monetary gifts or gifts displaying company logos.
• Be certain that gifts are of unquestionable quality
• Business gifts should be given at midyear (July 15) and at year-end (January 1).
• Potted plants are not an appropriate gift in Asia. A plant symbolizes that your relationship is restricted or bound up in a negative way.
• In addition, red- and white-colored flowers have a negative connotation in many countries and should be avoided.
• Make sure your gift was not made in that country or in any way associated with the “bad luck” numbers of four and nine.

Some gift ideas for Japanese colleagues:

• Products that are difficult to obtain in Japan. This could be something not sold in Japan, or something that is extremely expensive.
• Gifts that reflect the recipient's interests and tastes.
• Pens, such as the Rosewood Pen offered, are highly appropriate gifts for Japanese colleagues. First, the pen is a symbol of knowledge in the Japanese culture. Second, a pen is a lightweight gift that is easy to pack and carry when traveling abroad.

These countries have customs similar to those of the Japanese, however gift giving is not as ritualistic as in Japan. As is true in Japan, citizens of these countries are likely to downplay the importance of the gifts they give, and it is considered polite to show slight reluctance when accepting a gift. It is also impolite to open a gift in the presence of the giver. Gifts should be presented at the end of a visit.

China

Communism brought skepticism in gift giving, and offering gifts to government officials became illegal. The importance of gift giving in China is slowly returning; however, no set guidelines have been established. In order to avoid your gift being perceived as a bribe, it is important to keep the following tips in mind:

• Present group gifts. This is seen as a "company presenting a gift to a company," and not as a bribe to one individual from that company.
• Display your company logo on the gift so it appears to be a form of advertising.
• Avoid giving highly expensive gifts.

Also remember that:

• It is in the Chinese culture to refuse a gift, sometimes repeatedly. It is expected, however, that the giver will persist and the recipient's acceptance will eventually follow.
• As in the Japanese culture, it is proper etiquette to present gifts with two hands.

Be sure to avoid:

• Giving clocks as gifts. This has long been regarded as a gift giving faux pas. The word for "clock" in Chinese is similar to the word for "death." China's younger generation is not as superstitious about this, so this will eventually no longer hold true. Unless you are certain your Chinese colleague will not be offended by receiving a clock, this gift idea is better avoided.
• Colors such as white, blue or black are associated with funerals. Do not wrap gifts in these colors. Red, yellow and pink are seen as joyful colors, and are perfectly acceptable for gift wrap. Just remember not to write anything in red ink, as this symbolizes the severing of a relationship.
• Sharp objects such as knives, letter openers, or scissors. These, too, imply the severance of a relationship.
• Giving gifts in single or odd numbers. This implies loneliness or separation. On the other hand, gifts given in pairs are highly appropriate, as it equates to good luck.

Taiwan

• Be very careful to not give a gift originally made in Taiwan.

Thailand

• Thais love bright colors, and it is acceptable to wrap gifts in brightly colored gift-wrap and ribbons. Remember, however, that ripping open the wrapping paper is offensive.
• Exchange modest gifts.
• "Three" is considered a lucky number.

Korea

• Generosity is viewed as a valued personal trait. Whenever possible, present an expensive gift.
• Gifts between business associates are viewed as symbols of appreciation.
• Four of anything is considered unlucky.

Malaysia

• Present gifts with the right hand only.
• In Indian sections of Malaysia, avoid black and white colors. Instead, opt for yellow, red or green which symbolize happiness.

MIDDLE EASTERN COUNTRIES:

• Gift giving is important in the Arab culture, with generosity and politeness being very significant aspects in gift giving. Arabs will normally be the first to present a gift. Whenever possible, reciprocate with gifts of similar quality and value.
• Pay special attention to the Muslim culture. Avoid pork, knives, alcohol, and highly personal gifts.
• Be sure to avoid alcohol and leather products made of pigskin, which are offensive to Muslims. Also avoid giving gifts to the wife of an Arab colleague, and never inquire about her.
• Ideas of gifts to present to your colleagues in the Middle East include the highest quality of leather (not pigskin), silver, precious stones, cashmere, crystal or porcelain.

LATIN AMERICAN COUNTRIES:

Gift giving in Latin America is not as ritualistic as in Asian and Middle Eastern countries; however, it plays an important part in the culture. Gift giving reinforces business relations as personal relations by displaying thoughtfulness and generosity. It is most important to remember:

• You are not expected to present a gift at the first business meeting. As in most cultures, however, when visiting a home for dinner, it is important to present the hostess with a small gift of flowers, chocolates or wine. Be careful of the type of flowers you present to the hostess. Some varieties are used for funerals only.
• Thoughtfulness in gift giving goes a long way in Latin American countries - it demonstrates your awareness and respect. Choose gifts carefully by taking into consideration the tastes and interests of your Latin American business colleague.
• Avoid leather gifts, since most of the world's finest leathers come from South America.

GIFT GIVING FOR SOMEONE WHO IS ILL

• Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy usually suffer from loss of appetite and are on “Low Bacteria” diets. This means they absolutely can not have fresh fruits or vegetables. Prepackaged snacks though are encouraged to help caloric intake and are safe and recommended for those on “Low Bacteria” diets.
• Patients who are suffering from Irritable Bowel Syndrome and similar disorders can not have foods that have seeds or nuts as an ingredients.
• Flowers and plants are also on the do not give list for cancer patients again because their immune systems are inhibited because of the treatments they are undergoing.
• Many hospitals also restrict flowers and plants because of allergies and to protect immune suppressed patients.
• Latex balloons are also being added to the do not give list. Many people are developing latent allergies to latex and being in a room with one or two balloons can cause anaphylactic shock which can cause death if not recognized and immediately treated.
• People suffering for diabetes should not receive foods with sugar and are on a limited carbohydrate diet.

GIFT GIVING FOR THE ELDERLY

• Many elderly people have everything they want but they enjoy their “sweets”. Stationary items and stamps are also good items for the older person.

SOME GIFT GIVING SUGGESTIONS IN THE U.S.

• CHECK COMPANY GIFT POLICIES. Many companies in light of the scandals that have been in the news have restricted or even forbid employees from accepting gifts over 10 or 20 dollars, so check what the policies are for your client's company.
• Many professions such as Accountants and Lawyers have professional restrictions about what can be given and received. Again this does vary across the country and the best way is to find out what is appropriate for your region well before the gift is given.
• Don’t give clothes unless you live in the same house as the person who is going to receive them.

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