International Gift-giving

By Terri Morrison
© Copyright 2004, All Rights Reserved

Gift-giving is an art. It is an ancient social tradition, and is taken very seriously in many parts of the world. In most places, business relationships are built upon personal relationships, and appropriate gifts are a very important means of cementing those bonds. But unfortunately, even if you have the best intentions, some gifts can send the wrong message to your clients. For example:

Taboo Items:
Never give products made from cowhide to Hindus. This precludes wallets, belts, boots, purses, or any other leather item. The cow is so sacred to Hindus that several men were killed in rural India this year over the suspicious death of a cow.

Pork and alcoholic products are prohibited to Orthodox Muslims. Don’t select Virginia hams, Canadian bacon or gift baskets with bratwurst for your Middle Eastern friends. Also be sensitive to the fact that many colognes and perfumes may be alcohol based, and alcohol can be present in many specialty food items (i.e.: chocolate cordials)

Insensitive Gifts:
Make sure your gift wasn’t manufactured in an environment that is controversial for the recipient. For example, don’t give a Greek executive something made in Turkey

The wrong color wrapping paper or flowers can insult international associates. Never send white flowers to an Asian client. They are associated with funerals

Keep your well-honed knives in your kitchen or pocket! Knives symbolize the severing of a relationship in many countries.

Worldwide, there are many occasions when gifts are exchanged. In Japan, gifts absolutely must be given at mid-year (July 15th) and year-end (January 1st). They are also often given at first business meetings. Every country also has its own cultural interpretations of the best gifts, the best wrapping and the best way to present it. 

Since you may be facing that global gift-giving puzzle we have included a brief list of general gifts that may please your international clients:

Generally-appropriate Gifts:
Illustrated books, historic memorabilia or traditional handicrafts from your home state or headquarters. These act as invitations to come and visit.

High-quality writing implements.

Finely-made compasses for Muslims (so they will always know the direction of Mecca).

Native American artifacts. Very popular in parts of Europe.

Specific Suggestions:

Of course, if you learn that your client has certain interests (like historical biographies or a particular sport) be sure to purchase something that shows you appreciate his or her hobbies.  But if you are looking for a few suggestions that can be particularly useful or intriguing for international travelers, here are several items that your clients may enjoy:
A Kinetic Flashlight - This flashlight is powered by shaking it for 20 to 30 seconds, which forces a magnet through a coil, generating electricity.  The charge is good for around 15 minutes of light, and is very handy for travelers, whether it’s in your luggage, car or boat.  Just be very careful not to store it (with its powerful magnet) near your computer.   www.shakelight.com
A Tablet PC - This hand-held computer is about the size of an organizer. Instead of a keyboard, most Tablet PCs use handwriting-recognition software and others offer voice-recognition programs. All of them run a special Tablet PC Edition of Microsoft Windows XP. They are pricey, but Compaq’s has been recommended by several technical reviews.   www.compaq.com
Socks! - While giving clothing can be a rather intimate gift, you can offer a great pair of socks as a perfect item for the international traveler—because so many of us have to take our shoes off at the airport!  Play it as a joke or select some high-quality sport socks for your athletic clients! Try www.healthylegs.com or www.fogdog.com

A list of many more culturally-correct gifts (like Fisher Space Pens, silver travel candles, zoom binoculars, air purifiers, etc.) is available at www.getcustoms.com.

Of course, traveling parents also need gifts for their children. Besides T-shirts and caps with popular sports team logos, or top CDs, one hot kids' toy is:

The Remote-Controlled Z-Car: Remote-controlled toys have been popular for years, but now they're getting smaller and smaller. Several manufacturers now make tiny automobiles, no larger than the traditional Matchbox cars, self-propelled and controlled remotely. The Z-Car, one of the best, is only 2.2' long. One 45 second charge (via the battery-powered charger) and the Z-car is ready to run for about 5 minutes.  $19.95 includes car, charger and controller; everything except the batteries. It’s available in selected toy stores or from www.discovery.com/stores
Finally, the GPS Locator for Children is an innovative security device which may be of interest to your international clients who are relocating to the United States. This watch-like device combines the U.S. DOD’s Global Positioning System satellite data with the patented technology of a firm called Wherify (www.wherifywireless.com>). Clients in the United States can keep track of children’s whereabouts, and increase their safety around the clock.

There are many corporate gift-giving services, but not many of them focus on the cultural significance of each present. If you have time, corroborate your selections with a representative from the country’s embassy.

The old adage, “It’s not the gift, it’s the thought that counts,” may play well at home with loved ones. However, at work, you cannot afford to insult your international associates. The correct gift will differentiate you from less culturally sensitive executives and make your gift memorable—for all the right reasons.

Excerpted from OAG Frequent Flyer, December 18, 2002