Gift giving
Photo: Kreecher, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
If you are traveling to see people, whether for business or pleasure, you may want to bring some gifts with you. In Japanese culture, this is essentially mandatory, even for foreign visitors. In other places, it may be called a hostess gift. Offering a small gift makes people aware that you were thinking of them, looking forward to seeing them, and hoping to please them.
Good gifts for a traveler to bring are small, easily transported, from your home area, and not readily available in your destination.
I found none so noble or free with his food,
who was not gladdened with a gift,
nor one who gave of his gifts such store
but he loved reward, could he win it.
Bring or buy locallySometimes, you want to bring something from your home country, and if you are visiting Japan, this is definitely the right thing to do.
ChildrenIf you know that you are visiting a home with children, then you might consider bringing a small gift for the children. It can be helpful to know the age of the children, as well as how many of them there are.
Religious and cultural issuesJews and Muslims do not eat pork or other forbidden animals, and Hindus do not eat beef or use anything made of leather.
Legal issuesSomething intended as a gift can be perceived as a bribe, if the one receiving it is a public servant or somebody you have a business relation to.
Africa and the Middle EastBe aware of religious sensibilities. Even a person who is not an observant Jew or Muslim may not wish to be given a box of chocolate-covered bacon.
AmericasS. and Canada mostly follow the European traditions, but often less strictly. Flowers, candy, or a bottle of wine are usually welcome, although keep in mind that about 30% of adults in the US don't drink alcohol.
AsiaIn Asia, the provenance of your gift is important. The gift should be made in your own country, not imported to your country from Asia.
EuropeIn most of Europe, if you are invited to dinner at someone's home, you are expected to bring a small bouquet of fresh flowers, or a treat for your hosts to enjoy later.
See also
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "Gift giving" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Photo: Kreecher, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons