| In general gifts are given in business | | | | food and alcohol which are very popular |
| to promote goodwill and foster good | | | | during the holidays. Prime examples |
| relationships. They are also given to | | | | would be giving a gift of lobster or a |
| show appreciation. How do you know what | | | | gift basket with pork sausage to a |
| is a proper gift? | | | | Jewish business associate, not kosher. |
| First off, if you are dealing in | | | | Another faux pas would be giving wine to |
| international trade you should make | | | | someone who is either alcoholic or |
| yourself knowledgeable about the customs | | | | doesn’t drink at all. |
| of those you would like to gift. For | | | | So what’s safe to give someone as a |
| example if you are dealing with oil | | | | business gift? |
| barons or emirates from the Middle East | | | | Again, just keep in mind what the |
| you wouldn’t want to give them a gift | | | | perceived value is in the culture of the |
| of wood no matter how intricate. The | | | | person you are gifting. For example a |
| reason is that they perceive would to be | | | | person from Mexico would think lowly of |
| of very low value, not making any | | | | a gift of silver because it is cheap and |
| brownie points there. | | | | abundant there. Chocolate is a gift that |
| Another big consideration is to give a | | | | can have two different perceptions. If |
| gift that you know the recipient will | | | | you give someone chocolate that came |
| appreciate. Do a little research; find | | | | from Wal-Mart they may perceive that as |
| out what their interests and hobbies | | | | cheap, but if you give them expensive |
| are. They will be very impressed that | | | | imported French chocolate they will |
| you took the time to discover what they | | | | consider that thoughtful. Just remember |
| like and will feel comfortable in | | | | it all depends on the person. Gifts |
| knowing that this wasn’t just some | | | | should be for a specific individual |
| anonymous purchase. | | | | based upon what you know or have learned |
| Gag gifts are almost always | | | | about them. |
| inappropriate, especially if there is a | | | | The amount of the gift depends upon the |
| sexual connotation. Lingerie should | | | | hierarchy in the company. The higher |
| never be given as a business gift. This | | | | position a person holds the more |
| is an intimate gift reserved for those | | | | expensive the gift should be. Also, be |
| in a close personal relationship. | | | | sure to never give similar gifts to all |
| Other gifts to be careful of giving are | | | | those you are gifting. |