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What are some of the taboos about year-end gift giving?

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Host: What are some year-end gift giving taboos?

Nancy Mitchell: Mistakes you want to avoid are trying to give something that is specifically for Christmas or Hanukkah or kwanza. When you do not understand that holiday or you do not know that person well enough to know do they observe that holiday? How serious are they about their religion? How do they celebrate in their own life? You are much safer by giving a generic year-end gift that says I appreciate our friendship. I am thanking you for something that s happen during the year. I want our relationship to continue or you are giving gifts out of general goodwill. Taboos include something that is too intimate. Do not give a gift that is too personal; do not give a gift that is too expensive for the relationship. If you have a casual friendship, obviously you are not going to spend $100 on a gift for someone whom you barely know. Use your common sense, not too intimate, not too expensive and in good taste or go the generic rule to where they can choose a gift that is appropriate for them and how you show your sentiments is through that note that you will write that accompanies the gift.

Expert: Nancy Mitchell

www.etiquetteadvocate.com

P: (301) 320-2393

Email: nancy@etiquetteadvocate.com

Nancy R. Mitchell is an established protocol and etiquette consultant and advisor with more than 30 years of experience in the field. Currently, she is an adjunct faculty member at George Washington University, where she developed and teaches protocol courses to Event Management Certificate Program students in the School of Business and Public Management, and at Stratford University, Falls Church, VA. She serves More »