#273: A Gift for You (Friday, March 23)

I love giving gifts to my friends...but I'm horrible at it. Even though I generally have the gift prepared in advance, I feel uncomfortable presenting it in a group setting. So I wait until a more appropriate time and before I know it, a year has passed and I've forgotten to send the gift. Here are some wonderful gift-giving etiquette tips that you should keep in mind.

If you're the giver:

• DON'T give wine or alcohol to someone you don't know well. They may have some moral objection to drinking or may be a recovering alcoholic.
• DON'T give cash unless it's to a family member or someone you know really well or for acceptable situations such as weddings, etc. It's considered a lazy gift.
• DON'T bring a gift to a party if the invitation expressly says not to do so. It's a blatant disregard of the host's wishes, and is also obnoxious to those who obeyed instructions.
• DO make every effort to deliver the gift promptly. Although everyone likes receiving gifts, it's always more considerate to deliver the gift on or near to the occasion for which it was intended.
• DO ensure that you have sufficient funds in your account if you're making a monetary gift. Keep in mind that some people may take a few weeks to deposit monetary gifts, especially in the case of weddings when the couple is going on an extended honeymoon.
• DO include a gift receipt for store bought items. This enables the recipient to exchange for a different color or size without having to contact you.

If you're the recipient:

• DO acknowledge receipt of the gift and thank the giver. In person, via telephone call or via thank you note are the preferred methods. If sending a thank you note, personalize it for the person receiving it.
• DO be a gracious gift recipient. Even if the gift you receive is not to your taste, there is no need to inform the giver and a thank you is still necessary.
• DON'T ask for a monetary gift for your wedding/bridal shower. It's also rude to specify what you would like as a gift, unless you're asked for recommendations.
• DON'T feel the need to reciprocate if someone gives you a gift. Thanking the person is sufficient.

Are you up on your gifting etiquette? Take this quiz and find out!