5 ETIQUETTES TO FOLLOW WHEN GIVING GIFTS THIS CHRISTMAS

The festive season usually comes with gifting and giving out presents to others to make them feel loved. But deciding on what to give can be a daunting task sometimes. Especially when the person is an acquaintance or a work colleague. It is easy to give gifts to family members and friends because we know them and what they like, therefore, we can take a wild guess as to what to get them

There are basic etiquettes that must be followed when it comes to gifting. Etiquette according to the Collins dictionary is forms, manners, and ceremonies established by convention as acceptable or required in social relations, in a profession, or in official life.

 It is important to apply etiquette to gifting because it helps one to know what is appropriate to give out to another person without any confusion or embarrassment. Here are a few etiquettes to consider when giving a gift this Christmas.

WHEN IN DOUBT ABOUT WHAT THE PERSON LIKES, IT IS OK TO ASK OTHERS: People are different and complex in terms of their likes and dislikes.  A little research into what the one you are gifting likes is not a bad idea. it is ok to secretly ask people who are close to the one you are gifting about their likes, dislikes and allergies. It will be unwise on your part to gift a person something they dislike or are allergic to. 

STICK TO YOUR BUDGET: It is tempting to want to impress someone with a gift because you think they will appreciate it even when it is beyond your means. But it won’t serve any purpose if at the end of the day you are unhappy for giving out an expensive gift. Remember it is the thought that counts and not the price tag attached to the gift.

STAY AWAY FROM PERSONAL AND INTIMATE ITEMS: Unless the one you are gifting to is a spouse, it is very important to stay away from intimate items such as panties, bras or briefs. Gifting intimate items could send out the wrong message about you and could mar your relationship with the person.

PRESENTATION IS KEY: Don’t just hand out the gift to the person without any wrapper. Get a beautiful gift wrapper from a stationery store and wrap the gift nicely before giving it out to the recipient. This step might seem mundane but it is important not to skip it because you don’t want to seem disorganized to the recipient.

Pay close attention to these few rules and consider each one when giving out gifts this year. Gifts are meant to bring happiness and not disagreements or discord. Let these few etiquettes be your guide when choosing a gift for a loved one this Christmas.