What kinds of gifts do you most appreciate? In my case, when the gift shows the giver knows something about me and has taken care to find a gift reflecting their personal knowledge of me, it is most pleasing. Then the tangible gift isn’t the only gift I receive. I also receive the gift that someone knows me well enough to offer an appropriate gift. Knowing and being known are an important part of being human.

Sometimes you don’t have the luxury of knowing the person you wish to give a gift to. The person may even be from a different culture. Here are some suggestions about giving gifts to someone of another culture.

Puget Sound International Gift Givers Guide: Cultural Notes for Gift Giving

Asia

(China, India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea and Thailand)

China:

• When presenting or receiving a gift, use both hands.


• Gifts are not opened in the presence of the giver.


• Avoid giving the Chinese gifts, which the majority color is white, black
  or blue. The colors are associated with death in Chinese culture.


• When wrapping gifts, keep these colors in mind.


• Red, a lucky color


• Pink and yellow are happy and prosperous