Gift Giving and Receiving Etiquette

by Ava Thomas Content Creator

With the arrival of the holiday season, shopping sprees have become an everyday thing. We're rushing throughout stores (and online) to find perfect gifts for our loved ones. However, even this simple task of giving and receiving a gift comes with a list of rules and etiquette that must be followed (and which we often either don't know about or choose to ignore).

Before heading on to the etiquettes of giving and receiving gifts, it's important to understand the origins of gift-giving that have pushed people to go out of their way to find gifts for their loved ones—where is it that this tradition came from, and what did it originally represent? Scroll down to read all about it!

Origins of Gift Giving

Giving giftings is entwined in our DNA—it's one of the oldest human activities that dates back to primitive civilizations. Even in the cavemen era, gift-giving was a common affair used to show affection and love toward one another. It was also perceived as a status symbol when leaders or kings showed their appreciation via gifts to those deserving (or those that were a part of an important achievement).

Ancient gifts showed heavy symbolism and meaning personal to the gift giver and the receiver, including unusually shaped rocks, barks from a tree, an animal tooth.

As time passed and humans created better tools, the gifts started to become more personalized and elaborate. Now precious stones were drilled into animal teeth to be displayed on necklaces, among other things.

In the Egyptian era, pharaohs received tremendous amounts of guilts as they built massive and all-encompassing pyramids to store their wealth for the afterlife. Ancient Romans were believers in ill-omens and would often present each other with tokens of goodwill that lasted centuries and eventually inspired and influenced the Western civilization toward the art of giving gifts.

As the Medieval age came forth, the meaning of gifts turned into a more selfish act—now gifts were given to secure favors and show allegiance to kings and leaders. Gifts of betrothals started around this time, too, ranging from coins and precious metals to herds of sheep, goats, and cattle.

Today, our gift-giving tradition is a result of all of these events accumulated together.

Gift Giving Etiquette: A Guide

Now we know gifts are not a modern tradition; in fact, they go way back to ancient civilizations and cavemen. Their significance is undefeatable, especially as the holiday season knocks on our doors. We choose to gift our loved ones with presents that resonate with them to express our appreciation and love.

However, sometimes we can send the wrong message via gifts if we don't think about the person, the relationship, or the situation. To avoid such moments, here's a brief guide to gift-giving:

As a Gift Giver

If you're on the giving end of the situation, keep these things in mind:

Understand the Purpose of the Gift.

The gift may be for a particular holiday or occasion, but think through the gift. What is it that you're trying to express? How will you express your feelings for this person through the gift? To figure out the answers to these questions, ask yourself:

· - How much do I care about this person?

· - How much of my time, energy, and resources am I willing to select the right gift for this person?

· - What am I hoping to imply?

Do Your Homework, Always

Yes, the school's done and dusted, but the lesson remains: don't just get the first thing you see; make it personal. The process of gifting isn't about you; it's about them. Be observant about their favorite items, the things they like, want or need, which will express your relationship's depth.

Remember comments about their favorite foods, music, colors, clothes, or beverages. If needed, ask someone who knows them well to help learn something that'll lead you to a better gift.

Be Sensitive to Cultural Differences

We have a diverse population around us, and it's only fair (and important) to learn about a person's ethnic, religious, and cultural background and practices along with their likes and dislikes before presenting them with a gift.

Take your time in learning what's appropriate and inappropriate for them. For example, giving a bottle of wine to someone who doesn't drink alcohol could make them uncomfortable.

Use Elegant Wrapping

Avoid using bright, bold, and heavily patterned wrapping papers with fancy bows and ribbons and whatnot. It makes the packaging look all over the place and has no common theme. Instead, go minimalistic. Use solid colors and quality paper with a simple ribbon to pull the look together.

As a Gift-Recipient

If you're on the receiving end of the gift, there are still etiquettes that you need to follow:

Be Sure to Show Your Appreciation

If someone is giving you a gift, they've put in time and effort for it. You should always receive the gift with a smile on your face and receive it with both hands. Appreciate it and thank them for it.

Let Them Know You've Received the Gift

If someone is sending you a gift by mail or messenger, make an effort to let them know that you've received the gift. They're probably waiting for your call (or email).

Follow it up later by sending a proper 'thank you note' as soon as you're able to.

Think Before Opening a Gift in Front of Others

Americans usually open gifts as soon as it's received, even around an audience. However, in many countries, this isn't appropriate. Gifts are supposed to be opened alone. Whenever you receive gifts, understand whether it'll be appropriate for you to open the gift right away or not.

Thank You Note's Are Important

Whenever you're sending out a 'thank you note' for a gift, always handwrite the note to give it a personal touch, whether you like the gift or not. A 'thank you note' is always needed and encouraged.

Why Amour Prints?

Want to gift something beautiful and statement-worthy to your loved ones? Head over to Amour Prints today.

It's an online gift shop that specializes in creating premium custom canvases that are ideal for gifting. Browse through their extensive collection of custom photo canvas prints, including couple canvas, lyric art canvas, Wedding Canvas Prints, Song Lyric Canvas, Sheet Music Canvas Prints, and more.