Christmas Etiquette – Gift-Giving Know-How

Gift-giving is an essential part of Christmas, and for some, it’s the most important aspect of the celebration! However, not everyone knows how to give and receive presents gracefully, in line with proper etiquette. So, what should you know about this? And what should you keep in mind when wrapping gifts for your loved ones? We’re here to explain everything in this post!

How to Choose a Gift for Someone Close to You

First and foremost, focus on their interests, tastes, and needs rather than choosing something you would like for yourself. For example, an elderly person probably won’t be thrilled with the latest tech gadget they can’t use, and a child won’t appreciate a bridge-playing course. It’s also considered bad form to give a gift with the intention of persuading the recipient to change their mind, beliefs, or habits. When selecting a present, think about what the recipient would likely buy for themselves or how you can express your positive feelings—such as respect or love—towards them. Personalised gifts are always a good idea. They require a bit more effort from the giver, but they show that you wanted to give something special, created just for that person.

The Price of the Gift

There’s no fixed amount of money you should spend on a gift. Not everyone has the same budget, and what one person considers “cheap” or “expensive” may differ from another’s perspective. However, it’s generally agreed that a Christmas gift shouldn’t be extremely inexpensive, nor should it be overly extravagant (unless it’s a joint gift from several people). A low-quality, very cheap gift may be perceived as a lack of respect by the recipient. On the other hand, an expensive gift might make the recipient feel awkward or obligated to return the gesture, which may not always be possible. A gift doesn’t need to cost much to be meaningful.A personalised Christmas bauble with a hand-painted design, though small, will surely bring a smile to the recipient’s face. It’s also considered good manners to remove the price tag from a gift before giving it. If the price tag can’t be removed, you should cover it with a marker or a sticker.

Wrapping the Gift

A Christmas gift should be beautifully wrapped. Nowadays, there’s a wide range of colourful wrapping papers, boxes, bags, and other types of packaging to choose from. It’s always a good idea to opt for festive-themed wrapping, though it’s not absolutely necessary. The most important thing is to wrap the gift neatly and thoughtfully. It’s better to take the time to wrap it carefully than to do it hastily, risking a crumpled or untidy appearance. Interestingly, experts suggest avoiding light-coloured wrapping paper because it’s more likely to get dirty or smudged just before the gift is handed over, which could make it look sloppy. When selecting festive packaging such as wrapping paper or ribbons, feel free to choose warm colours like red, bottle green, or navy blue. If you do decide to go with light-coloured packaging, make sure the gift is well-protected during transport.

Receiving Gifts

There’s also an art to receiving gifts graciously. It’s important to show appreciation and say thank you, even if the gift isn’t exactly what you wanted. Remember, the giver likely made an effort to find something special for you. It’s considered impolite to complain, express disappointment, or show dissatisfaction. What should parents do if their child is unhappy with a gift? It’s best to thank the giver in person, make light of the situation, and quickly move on. After the Christmas gathering, parents can explain to the child the importance of good manners, empathy, and why it’s always important to say thank you for gifts.

Traditionally, Christmas presents are placed inpersonalised Christmas stockings or under the Christmas tree. You can discreetly give presents for children to their parents in advance so that “Father Christmas” can leave them overnight. Alternatively, Christmas gathering participants can exchange gifts directly with each other. In this case, it’s important to ensure that everyone receives something, and that there isn’t too much disparity in the number of gifts given to each person.

Unique Christmas Decorations

Struggling to find a universal gift that’s suitable for both a close friend or sibling and a boss or teacher? Go for luxury,hand-painted Christmas baubles. If you know the recipient is a dog or cat lover, look for personalised baubles featuring their pet.A personalised bauble with the names of the pet and owner is an elegant gift that any pet lover would appreciate. In our shop, you’ll also find sports-themed baubles and baubles with distinctly Australian designs. You are welcome to explore our online store or visit one of our physical shops located in major Australian cities. Our hand-painted Christmas baubles look even more stunning in person than in the photos. We’re confident that one of these will be the perfect gift for someone close to you!