Gift Giving Etiquettes

Etiquettes to be followed when time to gift somebody:

Do try to get something that your recipient will not likely be able to buy in his/ her own country.
Do get something that is of good quality.
Do make sure that the gift is very nicely wrapped and comes with a hand-written message note.
Do consider a gift of reasonable value but not too extravagant - otherwise it may be returned.
Do personalize the gift with the recipient's name if appropriate.
It is always wonderful to personally select and give gifts to those we care about and have them truly appreciate it.
Nobody likes to show up to any special occasion empty-handed. But if there is ever a request for "no gifts please", then it is never appropriate to bring a gift.
Gift suggestions can range from charm bracelets, to books on the recipient's special interest or hobby, to posters, to music or DVD's, to perfume, to sports equipment, to video games, to watches, and to a myriad of other personal items.
Flowers may be sent by almost everyone to almost anyone for pretty much any occasion, such as birthdays, weddings, thank-you's, showers, a hostess gift, and a myriad of others. Flowers are considered by most to be a very thoughtful gift.
Money is the most welcome present of all, and it may also be an easy way of avoiding the challenge of choosing the perfect gift.
It's not how much you spend that makes a gift appreciated, but the thought and care you put into choosing it.
If you're unsure what to give, or want to give the other person the choice of what to buy, consider a gift certificate or Gift Cheques.
Some of the most thoughtful and "best ever" gifts are not about the money. They're about the time, the effort, the creativity and the thoughtfulness of the gift.
Show your appreciation when receiving a gift in person. Always put a smile on your face as a gift is being presented. Receive the gift with both hands. Say thank you along with a brief expression of appreciation.
Let the giver know as soon as possible when a gift has arrived. Make every effort to let the sender know you received a gift sent by mail or messenger (email, fax, or telephone call is fine). Then follow it up by sending the proper thank-you note as soon as possible.
Be sensitive to opening a gift in front of others. Americans typically open gifts as soon as it is received, even in front of an audience and other groups of people. Know that in many countries it is not customary or appropriate to open gifts in front of other people. They are kept to be opened alone.
When receiving house gifts, special guest and speaker gifts, be sensitive as to whether you will or will not be encouraged and expected to open it right away.
Know the bottom line. Always, always hand write a thank you note for every gift you receive, no matter what, regardless of whether you like the gift or not, even if you plan to exchange the gift or give it away, sending a thank-you note is the right thing to do.

Below are some gifts that cost nothing to very little and are priceless:-

Spend a holiday evening with someone who can't get out because they have a chronic illness or are bed-ridden. Make the evening about fun. Bring in food. Cook for them. McDonald's will even work. Rent a movie to watch on the DVD, play a game of cards or go through old photos. This kind of an evening for someone who can't get out, is an incredible gift.
A favorite book of yours that has real meaning or was a gift from a lover or a relative long ago is a wonderful way to pass on a gift and a legacy.
Grandmothers and mothers -- give your old jewelry to your children or grandchildren. Give them a piece of jewelry that has meaning to you, and will to them, too.
Passing on family heirlooms doesn't have to entail jewelry. A vase, a watch, a special sweater that was your grandmother's, are all wonderful gifts to pass on, that don't cost you a thing.