The Art of Gift Giving in China
By Demi Guo
中国的送礼艺术
送礼是中国文化的重要组成部分，特别是在传统节日里。中国人常常殚精竭力，为特别的人挑选完美礼物。中国有句古话：“千里送鹅毛，礼轻情意重。”这是说，送礼不在于礼物的价值高低，而在于寄托的情意。送礼时应避免提示对方注意礼物的价值，由本人亲自双手奉上，以示真诚。邮寄礼物在中国传统文化中并不常见。送礼有禁忌：避免“4”，因其象征死亡；避免黑色或白色包装，因其通常在葬礼上使用；避免送“钟”，因其象征噩运及死亡；避免送绿色帽子，因其象征妻子不忠。送礼的基本原则是投其所好，实用为上。例如送客户，如其喜欢饮酒，那么送高端酒不失为上策，有的高管喜欢饮茶，那么其所喜好的茶叶则为送礼佳品。给家人送礼，例如春节，中国人喜欢送红包，高端羽绒服或防寒衣也是不错的选择。给另一半的家人送礼也有讲究，通常会送保健品、面膜、护手霜等，以示对对方家庭成员的关心。如果经济条件允许，也可以送黄金，这通常能够说明自己的经济实力。
Gift giving is a significant part of Chinese culture, especially during traditional holidays. Chinese people put a lot of thought into finding a perfect gift for that special someone, whether it is family, friends, or their romantic interest.
Chinese Gift Giving Etiquette
Value of the gift is not the most important factor. “千里送鹅毛, 礼轻情意重 - qiān lǐ sòng é máo, lǐ qīng qíng yì zhòng”. This is a famous saying in Chinese, which plays majorly into gift giving. Regardless of the price or size, the thought is what counts the most.
Be polite when bestowing the gift, so as to avoid any indication of trying to draw attention to the cost of the gift. Using both hands when handing a gift to its recipient shows your full sincerity, and you must always do it in person. Mailing gifts is less appreciated in traditional culture.
Avoid common taboos
- Do not send a gift related to the number “4”, because “4” sounds like the word for “death" in Chinese.
- Black and white colours are usually used in funerals, so don’t choose these for your boxes or wrapping paper; red being the colour of luck would be a better choice.
- Clocks are bad! Similar to the number 4, they are a symbol of bad luck and/or death in China!
- Never gift green hats, as they are a symbol of an unfaithful wife.
When picking gifts for different people, the basic principle is that a gift is best suited to the needs of the recipients. Check our gift advice below for inspirational ideas!
For Clients
When picking gifts for clients try to find something that aligns with their preferences as closely as possible. A high-grade wine or self-brewed liquor would be suitable for those clients who like to drink alcohol.
Many business executives drink tea for its rejuvenating properties, which can help combat a stressful life, so picking out the perfect tea for them would be a really great gift choice.
For female clients, often skin care or beauty products are among the top choices that come to mind, even though they are not as culturally relevant.
For Family
Traditional holidays, like the Spring Festival, usually are the times during which families can finally come together after a long year. Chinese often want to express how much they care for one another through the gifts they choose for each other.
You can choose high-quality clothes that are appropriate for the colder early spring weather. For example, in China winters can be extremely hard, so high-quality down jackets or thermal clothing are very thoughtful gifts, and are warmly accepted.
The oldest gift in China….Money!!! Lucky money in red envelopes is quite possibly the best gift, if you want to stick to Chinese culture when gifting a person. It is a good gift choice for various occasions. The colour of luck and the power of money brought together in this practical, yet thoughtful gift can be used to give to elders who are no longer able to earn much themselves and also to young people who haven't started working yet. Remember to avoid any unlucky numbers….“4”, and always choose RED!
For Significant other’s Family
A carefully picked gift can help leave a good impression on your significant other’s family! Check the gift recommendations below and don’t forget to share a good amount of time with them during the visit.
Caring for your significant other’s family’s health and well being is deep rooted in Chinese culture, making health care products such as massage chairs, facial masks and hand lotion great gift ideas!
Gold means wealth in Chinese culture, and often when picking a gift for your significant other’s family, you want to show them that you are financially well off, making gold a perfect gift, if you are in the financial situation to afford a gift such as this.
Final Thoughts
The world of gift giving in China is very profound, and may be very different to what you are used to when the holidays come around in your home country. The do’s and don’ts, and sorting out between the taboos and appropriate items may be challenging for some, but will pay off when done correctly. I hope you enjoyed learning a little about the art of gift giving in China!
