Gift giving during the holiday season demonstrates generosity and goodwill towards others. Not only does it reflect the joy of the season, but it is a way of acknowledging the important people in your life. Did you know that there is etiquette involved in gift giving? Be sure to read our holiday gift guide to learn the dos and don’ts of gift buying, giving, regifting and receiving.
Buying, giving, and receiving gifts over the holiday season requires thoughtfulness. Here are basic considerations to make when exchanging gifts:
- Your relationship with that person and level of closeness. When giving gifts, it’s typically acceptable to choose personal gifts of the heart for someone you are close to, such as your spouse or child, and less personal gifts for neighbors with whom you exchange gifts.
- Their hobbies, interests, age and abilities. Factors such as these influence gift choice possibilities.
- Your budget. This is a major influence on how much you spend. It’s important to spend appropriately. It’s typically acceptable to buy more valuable gifts for your close family circle, whereas less money is generally spent on casual friends or colleagues who exchange gifts.
Tips for gift buying:
- To stay organized, make a list of people you buy gifts for, your budget, and gift ideas. Avoid going into debt for the holidays.
- If you are truly stumped, it’s okay to ask a hard-to-buy-for person for gift ideas/suggestions. (Attach internal link to our article Finding holiday gift inspiration)
- Note that you do not need to give gifts to everyone. For instance, it is not common to give your boss and coworkers holiday gifts. Exceptions may include group gift exchanges, personal friendships with fellow employees outside of work, or small office environments where employees are extremely close.
- Strive for gifts that are useful and appropriate for the gift receiver. Set aside your personal preferences and buy what they would gravitate towards – rather than what pleases you most.
- Use sensitivity. For instance, avoid buying clothes for someone who recently gained weight and resist buying gag gifts such as insulting tee shirts that may not go over well.
- Know that gift prices fluctuate during the holiday season, so look for sales and shop around before you buy.
- Research quality so that you have peace of mind the gift you’ve selected will stand the test of time.
- It’s okay to agree to fixed spending. This is especially helpful for group gift exchanges so that everyone receives something of similar value.
- Avoid overspending on items. If you typically exchange $20 gifts, do not unexpectedly buy a $200 gift for someone if it risks making them uncomfortable.
- Likewise, do not be a Scrooge by drastically underspending on gifts or settling for poorly made items.
- Can’t exchange this year due to finances? Tell people upfront that you are unable to exchange gifts this year – and stick to it. No need to apologize or make excuses.
Tips for gift giving:
- Cash gifts or gift cards are sometimes acceptable. However, some people prefer gifts that are personally selected. When you can, honor their preferences.
- Take the time to nicely wrap gifts or place them in gift bags. This shows extra thoughtfulness.
- Be sure to accompany gifts with gift tags or cards to identify the gift giver.
- Should you give a present to someone you don’t regularly exchange gifts with, be clear that no return gift is required.
- Bear in mind that not all gifts need to be expensive. Sometimes, the best gifts are from the heart. This includes homemade gift tags, handwritten poems, or fresh baked cookies.
- Though most gifts are well-received, always include a return receipt with your gift.
- Do not take offense should a gift be returned. Rather, it could simply mean that the receiver has duplicates, the item doesn’t fit, or he or she might prefer something else.
- Avoid gifting used goods unless you know it is something the recipient would want, such as an antique clock.
- When making a gift to a charitable organization on someone’s behalf, be sure that it is to an organization favored by them. (Note that the person who writes the check – in this case the gift giver – gets the tax deduction. For deductions over a set amount, written acknowledgment from the organization is required for tax purposes. Check IRS rules.)
Regifting tips:
- Regift sparingly. Since returns are likely not possible for regifted items, only regift under the following circumstances:
- You are regifting it to a new person who is unfamiliar with the original gift giver.
- The gift is brand new and unused or unworn with tags on.
- The item remains in its original and non-damaged packaging.
- The gift was not personalized to you.
- You strongly believe the recipient will love it.
- You aren’t afraid to admit that it’s been regifted.
- You are willing to rewrap it in new wrapping paper.
- If you fear that the recipient of the regifted item will be offended by learning that the item you gave them is a regift, avoid regifting.
- If the original gift giver might be hurt or offended by your regifting action, resist regifting.
Gift receiving tips:
- If you’re handed a gift in public, it’s generally acceptable to open it.
- Should you feel awkward about opening a gift in public, it’s acceptable to wait and open the gift in private.
- Be sure to thank the gift giver in person for their kind gesture – regardless of whether you like the gift or not. Be gracious and remember that it’s the thought that counts.
- If someone mails you a gift, call them straight away to let them know you received it. Later, follow up with a thank you note to reacknowledge receipt of gift and to re-thank the giver for their thoughtfulness.
- While it is acceptable to say thank you for a gift via text message, go the extra mile to show your appreciation by following up with a written thank you note.
- If you are hosting a party and a guest brings a bottle of wine or champagne absent a gift bag, ask them if they would like you to serve it. If the bottle is in a gift bag and is clearly given as a present, it may be saved rather than served. When unsure, ask.
- If you are hosting a holiday party and request no gifts, and some attendees bring presents anyway, kindly accept rather than reject the gifts.
- If someone gives you a gift and you don’t have one for them, receive the gift gracefully and demonstrate gratitude. You may later send them a gift in return, should you so desire.
Main takeaways
This holiday gift guide is designed to set the record straight on gift buying, giving, regifting, and receiving. To avoid awkwardness related to this generous holiday practice, be clear on expectations, be thoughtful in your selections, and be gracious with all the gifts you receive. Additionally, never give to get. Remember that it is better to give than to receive.
Happy holidays.
Have any additional gift-giving tips? Do tell!