How Gift Giving Differs Around the World
One thing is clear: no matter where you are, everyone loves a present. Beyond that, though, cultures have contrasting approaches to the gesture. Whether you want to send something to an international colleague or are looking for ideas, these traditions offer valuable insights. Learn how gift giving differs around the world.
Ghana
Traditions and Etiquette
- Gift giving is a large part of developing relationships. You give something, and that person becomes indebted to you. They give you a gift the next time, and so on.
- Always use your right hand to greet someone and to hand them a gift.
- When a family member of a colleague dies, donate to the funeral, which will be lavish.
Gift Ideas
- Here’s proof that gift giving differs around the world: In Ghana, it’s polite to give bread with a label stating where it was baked.
- You can present an assortment of small gifts in a colorful basket that they can use later.
- Buying something at the markets there is a doubly significant gift—it helps the local economy, too.
Japan
Traditions and Etiquette
- Use both hands, whether you’re giving or receiving the present.
- It’s considered rude to open a gift in front of a large group.
- Giving something in pairs is a lucky gesture but avoid offering unlucky four or nine of anything.
Gift Ideas
- An American T-shirt is a prize; Japanese shirts often misspell English words.
- A hostess gift should be consumable and ready for sharing. Japanese people don’t appreciate things that will just take up space in their house.
- Many women welcome natural, scented soap and skincare.
Brazil
Traditions and Etiquette
- When a man gives something to a woman, it’s considered flirting. If that’s not what you’re going for, say that it’s from your wife or girlfriend.
- On visits, bring small gifts for any children.
- In business situations, never bring a gift for a first meeting. It’s better to offer to pay for lunch.
Gift Ideas
- Give brigadeiros (chocolate fudge balls).
- You can give gemstone jewelry or even an interesting amethyst geode; Brazil is one of the globe’s greatest sources of crystals and stones.
- An elegant pen is a safe bet.
Germany
Traditions and Etiquette
- You can give flowers, as long as they’re unwrapped (except for cellophane) and in an uneven number.
- If you’re invited to be a guest at a Christmas celebration, make sure to provide at least a small gift for everyone else.
- You can give money for an occasion like a wedding in many interesting ways—in an origami creation or photo frame, for example.
Gift Ideas
- Instead of a bottle of wine, put together a basket of beers from the area.
- It’s common to gift an “experience,” like a restaurant gift card, a game of paintball, football tickets, and so on.
- Even for extended family members, something personalized with photos—a calendar, a mug—is sentimental and a better choice than something elaborate.
- Culture Greetings
