The right gift may allow a good business relationship or friendship to flourish,while the wrong gift can break up relationships to a halt.The perfect gifts will reflect your creativity,thoughtfulness,attention to recipients and,perhaps most importantly,your good taste.When giving food gifts,be aware of any dietary restrictions your recipient may have due to medical,religious or ethical reasons.When sending gifts overseas,learn about the foreign customs of your recipient first,to avoid either offending your recipient or causing them to pay any duty or tax on the gift.And be aware of cross-cultural differences.If you’re not sure about how a recipient will accept your gift due to ethnic or religious differences,research their culture first!
◇When sending a sympathy gift to offer condolences to a Jewish family,it is appropriate to send a food gift to the home.Be respectful of cultural dietary restrictions.If giving a food gift to a Jewish or Israeli recipient,be sure it is kosher.
◇When sending flower gifts,be aware it is considered bad luck to send an even number of flowers to a business partner in Europe.
◇Be cautious about sending certain colors of flowers overseas.For example,yellow flowers symbolize death in Mexico and infidelity in France.White flowers symbolize death in Japan.White chrysanthemums are mainly used for funerals in Belgium,Spain and France.
◇Some cultures emphasize on the importance of numbers.In China,giving gifts in single or odd numbers may imply loneliness or separation,while gifts given in a pair symbolizes good luck.
◇In Russian corporate culture,it’s appropriate to send a small business gift,but traditionally its value should be related to the business-person’s rank.
◇Keep in mind French business culture dictates that you do not include your business card with a gift.
◇Sending or bringing food gifts to a dinner party hosted by someone of Indonesian descent is improper and insult your host—unless it is agreed upon beforehand.Send a thank-you gift of a fruit basket or candy afterwards instead.