Gift-Giving: A Nice Gesture or a Faux Pas?

• The giving of gifts to impress a client or guest may seem apropos; however, in some countries and even in some instances in the United States, gift-giving would be seen as bribery or a cheeky gesture.
• In the United States, one may give a gift provided that does not appear to be a bribe.  If there is any transactions involved, it is best to give a gift at the end of such process or to not give one at all.
• Canada:  People do not regularly give gifts in business situations.  If a gift is given, however, make sure it is a modest and not lavish gift. 
• Mexico:  Gifts are not required for businessmen or women.  It will be accepted upon the person’s initial visit if a client or executive is given a small item with the company logo upon it.  Gifts will always be accepted by secretaries.  If a man gives a gift to a female secretary, he is to say that it is from his wife as to not appear to be flirting with the secretary.  Good gifts for a dinner guest are candy pre-delivered flowers or crafts from your place of origin.  Beware of the following colors of flowers and their meaning: yellow represents death, red signifies casting spells, and white signifies lifting spells.  Silver is a rude gift, as they give silver trinkets to tourists.
• England: The English are not accustomed to gift-giving, so do not offer one.
• France: Give gifts at own risk.  The chance of it going over well depends on how much they like the gift.  Good gifts are books and music because the French value intellectual areas of life.
• Germany:  Germans do not like surprises, especially with changes in plans.  It is best to not give gifts to clients and executives from or in Germany.
• Italy:  Italians accept gifts, but like Mexicans, they have strict rules.  They accept gift-wrapped chocolates, pastries or flowers.  However, flowers must be in even numbers, except for 12 and 6, especially when giving roses.  You may give wine as long as it is of excellent vintage due to the fact that Italians are wine makers and experts.  Also, never give anything in a quantity of 17, since the number is bad luck.
• Spain:  As with Canadians, it is safe to not give gifts if it could be seen as ostentatious or bribery.  However, if you feel that it would be appropriate, give a gift of good taste.
• India:  Gifts may be given, but beware of the person’s religion and items that may offend him or her.  75% Indians are Hindu, 7% are Muslim, 3% are Christian and 10% are other religions.  Also, they will not open the gift in front of you but later in private as is custom.
• China: Do not give a gift to a government official because it is illegal.  Give the gift in private or to the whole group as a whole if there are many gifts to be given.  Good quality writing pens are common gifts.  Do not give any of the following because they are associated with death: clock, straw sandals, anything relating to a stork or crane, handkerchiefs, and anything white, blue or black.
• Japan:  Gift giving is important in business and social settings.  The gift is of little importance compared to the grand display you should make out of its presentation.  Always gift wrap the item, but not in white as it symbolizes death.  Also, do not use bright colors or bows.  If having trouble making the wrapping presentable, use customer service of the store or the hotel in Japan at which you are staying to help you.  Like Germans, the Japanese do not like surprises.  Let the person know ahead of time that you will later be presenting them with a gift.   Always give and receive gifts with both hands.  Do not give gifts in numbers of 14, 4 or an odd number as these numbers are bad luck and 4 sounds like “death” in Japanese.  Japanese will not open the gift in front of you, like Indians do.
• So pay attention to each country having different customs regarding gift-giving and make sure it is not considered rude or ostentatious. 
• Information gathered from http://www.cyborlink.com.