Say the right thing with gifts
Giving someone a giftcan be a tricky situation. We always want to select something that the person will like, something that fits their tastes and personalities. We should also make sure that the present is appropriate for the person and the situation, meaning the gift should be appropriate for the relationship we have with the recipient. When we give a present we not only are saying something about the recipient, we are also saying something about ourselves. We must be careful not to send the wrong message.
Gift giving can be complicated when it involves someone of the opposite sex. Now if the present is for our spouse or significant other then all we have to do is get them something they’ll love that shows we are thinking about them. The complications arise when the other adult is not our spouse or significant other. Some men make the mistake of giving a gift that is too personal, leading the woman to think the relationship is more significant. He may give her nice earrings thinking just that they are pretty, and she may think, “Ah jewellery, next step is the engagement ring!”
The same miscommunication can happen with flowers. Some flowers are just a gift of pretty blooms while others have deeper, more romantic meanings. While the single red rose may have been so overdone that it’s lost its spark, giving a single bloom, especially if it is the woman’s favourite is significant. Sometimes it’s not just the flowers, it is the delivery. Especially if you have flowers delivered to a woman’s workplace. A gift of flowers sent to a woman at work is a big deal, noticed by everyone else, and the message they send is that the man really likes this woman. It is a very public gesture, and be sure it is the message you want to send.
People who do business with each other also occasionally exchange a gift and it is important that the right message is sent in these situations also. Do not send anything personal such as romantic flower arrangements, jewellery, perfume or cologne. A good bottle of wine is nice gift, but be sure that alcohol is appropriate for the person. Finally, in regards to business gifts, be aware that many companies prohibit their employees from accepting any significant gifts because of ethics concerns. Usually you are okay with a nice lunch or small token but anything of a higher value may be frowned upon.
While it may seem like your options are limited there are actually many nice gifts appropriate for most occasions and situations. A quality pen is a nice gift, as is a box of good teas or a basket with a variety of coffee beans. Gift cards to a local shop or restaurant are also a nice gesture. The trick to present giving is to try to imagine the person receiving it and what message they will receive. With a little thought you should be able to always send a gift that says exactly what you want.
