Chinese differ from Westerners in their approach to gifts and gifting. In the West, a sincere thank you note is an acceptable way for extending appreciation. In China, a more tangible gesture, or gift, is preferred. Let’s follow some gifting etiquettes there.

• Chinese refrain from opening gifts immediately after they receive them. You should do likewise and avoid opening gifts after receiving them unless the other person insists so.
• Gifts with your company’s logo are fine provided they do not carry things that are considered taboo and are not too flashy.
• Gifts of foreign cigarettes, fine whisky, cognac, quality wines are acceptable.
• Do not give anything in sets of four.
• Avoid gifts that carry the connotation of funerals or death like cut flowers, white objects, clocks, etc.
• Do not give scissors or any sharp object as a gift as it symbolizes severing of relations.
• Giving food items as a gift idea may not be such a good idea as it can suggest poverty.
• Do not forget to wrap gifts, but avoid using white paper. Avoid elaborate wrapping.

It is rightly stated that imitation is the best form of flattery. Taking time and effort to imbibe Chinese culture and traditions can pay rich dividends.

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This entry was posted on Tuesday, January 29th, 2008 at 6:53 pm and is filed under Gifting Etiquette. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.