Gifting Etiquettes: Can I Expect My Gift be Reciprocated?

Gifts serve the purpose of sharing happiness and warming up a friendship. However, there are times when gifts come with an expected string of returned favors. Should a present be reciprocated or not depends on several factors.

Gift giving etiquettes during the holidays:

Gift giving is an anticipated tradition during holidays among close friends and family members. But the decision of gifting a fellow colleague, boss, a dinner party host and a few neighbors, can become a hassle and an extremely expensive chore. Following are some questions that can lift the burden off the giver and the receiver:

1. If a person receives a gift by someone who is not on the gift-receiving list should the receiver feel the need to purchase a gift immediately?

It is not compulsory to reciprocate, but it is important to accept the present with a smile and say something like, "How thoughtful” or “Thank you so much."

2. Is it important to give the boss a gift, if yes, what should be appropriate?

It is important to have a close look at the gift giving policy of the company and make sure no rules are breached. There is no compulsion to giving a boss a gift. A better idea is to buy something collectively with the entire staff for the boss.

3. Apart from the family, who all should be included in the gift giving list?

The decision to send someone a gift is very personal and is normally reserved for those individuals that have been extremely influential in the givers life or business. A holiday gift basically shows appreciation for a service or job well done.

4. Do gag gifts make a safe gift giving option?

Gag gifts can be extremely offensive and can be mistaken for a sentiment not intended by the gift giver. They are a very bad option, unless the giver is confident about the sense of humor of the receiver.

5. Is it okay to respond with a gift card?

Gift cards are certainly catching up as popular and safe choices for acquaintances, for newly married, newly single, or anyone who is choosey. A gift card from a big store is a great choice than a shop that has limited collection of merchandise.

Is enclosing a gift receipt rude?

It is extremely thoughtful to put in the gift receipt with the gift. This gives the receiver a chance to return the product for another size or to choose something else which might be more appropriate or flattering.

Best Reciprocal Gifts for Bosses, Clients and Collogues

Here are some of the most popular gifts for business associates:

For the boss:

Ø  Gift Baskets that include cookies, muffins, and homemade cakes

Ø  A combined gift from the whole team

Ø  A gourmet wine gift basket

For the colleague:

Ø  Gift card

Ø  Stationary

Ø  Tea or coffee mug with dry tea or coffee enclosed

Ø  Decorative candles

For a client:

Ø  A fruit basket with farm fresh oranges, seasonal fruit, and the like

Ø  A box of chocolates or candy

Ø  Tickets to a basketball or baseball game

Ø  A wine bottle

Ø  All this should go with a thank you note

Don’ts for business associates:

Ø  Any kind of personal items

Ø  Perfume or cologne

Ø  Massages or Spa treatments

Ø  A vacation

Reciprocation depends upon the receiver’s personal choice. Hence, there is no need to feel offended if one does not receive a gift back. Similarly, there is no reason to get pressurized for getting something for someone who is not on one’s gift list. The very basic rule of reciprocation is to go by one’s heart and good intentions.