Month: July 2021

There are many go-to gift ideas that many people all around the world can agree on giving and what can be considered as the standard option for accepted gifts. For instance, some of these may be clothes, shoes, accessories, or jewelry such as 925 silver jewelry for both men and women. Of course, there are variations to these gift ideas, but they are somehow considered as the usual gifts that are given and received.

These gift ideas may be universal, but there are many unique practices of gift-giving and etiquette all over the world. Many countries put extra significance in the gestures of gift-giving – particularly the proper ways of handing one to the receiver. Other countries also put extra effort on the presentation of the gift itself.

Many countries have these unique traditions and here are some of them to inspire you:

Gift-giving Tradition in China

There are many people all around the world who are familiar of the gift-giving tradition of China where people put money in shiny red envelopes. What people might find shocking is the many rules that need to be followed with this tradition. For instance, only new and shiny bills should be put inside these red envelopes and not wrinkly ones.

Chinese people also have the belief that bills given beginning with the number 4 are considered unlucky, while bills given beginning with the number 8 is considered lucky. The Chinese also have the unspoken rule and etiquette that receivers of gifts should at least try to deny one to two times before accepting to avoid looking greedy.

Gift-giving Tradition in Iceland

One of the most literate countries in the world, Iceland has one of the most unique gift-giving traditions that is the dream of most book lovers. ‘Yule Book Flood’ is Iceland’s tradition where they distribute free catalog of books that have been recently published in their country. This tradition starts before Christmas. Locals then use this national catalog as a reference to choose books that they will give their loved ones on Christmas Eve.

Gift-giving Tradition in Mexico

Compared to other countries, etiquette in gift-giving isn’t as strict in Mexico. The simple opening gifts right away and showing excitement while opening them as a sign of gratitude is common in Mexico. It’s also a unique tradition in Mexico where gifts are not only given to the living, but also to the dead during November 1 and 2. During these days, Mexicans offer gifts such as tequila and marigolds to be placed on the graves of their loved ones who passed away.