Gift-giving 101: To give or not to give

Remember when the first President George Bush presented a gift of cowboy boots, embroidered with the American and Chinese flags no less, to Chinese Premier Li Peng? If only he had taken a few minutes to learn about Chinese gift-giving culture, he would have been spared from committing a social blunder. In China, as well as in other Asian countries, the sole of the feet is considered the lowliest, dirtiest part of the body and gifts of footwear, not to mention cowboy boots decorated with the flag, are at the very least inappropriate.

Giving and receiving presents are an important part of Chinese culture because it is one way of building guanxi. Foreign business people soon notice that the Chinese have a slightly different way of doing business, and understanding the concept of guanxi or relationships between people, is an essential determinant of success or failure. In the Chinese sense, guanxi refers to a network of people all working together for mutual interest and benefit, usually through exchanging favors.

Showing appreciation in China is best expressed through something tangible, which is why the subject of gift-giving is bound to crop up sooner or later. Since success in the Chinese market hinges on the most minor of details, we have compiled some pointers about gift-giving that might help businessmen use this perplexing practice to their advantage. Of course, these are guidelines, not hard and fast rules, since regional variations do exist about what is considered taboo.

1. During formal occasions, gifts are offered and received with both hands. The gift, no matter its value, is referred to as “a small token” or “a little something.” The receiver will often protest and say that the giver did not have to go to so much trouble.

2. Make sure that gifts given to people of the same rank are of comparable or the same value. Discrepancies might lead to a strain in business relationships.

3. Try not to give presents that are obviously expensive so that they won't feel the need to reciprocate. Avoid any gift that makes it impossible for them to reciprocate as this might put them in an uncomfortable position.

4. Gifts are usually not opened in the presence of the giver. This is to show that the thought is more important than the actual material value of the present. It also avoids putting both the giver and the receiver in an awkward position in case the gift is deemed to be in some way inappropriate.

5. Red is considered a lucky color in China. If possible, have your gifts wrap in red paper; gold, pink and silver are acceptable colors too. However, avoid using white paper with black writing, or black paper as they are associated with the dead.

6. Never write anything with red ink because it symbolizes the severance of ties.

7. Gifts of foreign wine, liquor, cigarettes, and stamps are welcome. A fine pen, although obviously not one with red ink, also makes a good present.

8. Avoid giving sharp objects, such as knives or scissors, since they are thought to symbolize severing the bonds of friendship, business or other ties. However, while gifts like a Swiss Army knife or the Finnish puukko are appreciated for their craftsmanship, a short explanation about why such gift was chosen will prevent any misinterpretation of the gesture.

9. Be aware of the symbolism of numbers. Eight is one of the luckiest numbers in Chinese culture. Giving or receiving eight pieces of any item is a gesture of good will. Six is a wish that everything proceeds smoothly and without problems. Four, on the other hand, of any item should be avoided because it sounds like “death” in Chinese. The number 73 (which sounds like “funeral”) and 84 (“to have accidents”) also have unlucky connotations.

10. Items associated with funerals should also be avoided at all cost. These include straw sandals, clocks and handkerchiefs.

11. When giving presents, you should think about what impression you want to communicate through the gift you have chosen. In the end, the present should reflect both the receiver and the giver. The Chinese do not expect foreigners to know everything about Chinese etiquette, and they will make allowances for that. However, do try and make a genuine effort to study aspects of Chinese culture, history and geography. Your effort will be appreciated and it will stand you well in your business dealings.