All over the world, we show our love, appreciation, and friendship in a multitude of different ways. However, one of the easiest ways to show someone you care, is to get them a gift that they’ll truly love. This is something that human beings do in virtually every part of the globe. However, the way that we deal with gifting does vary depending on where you are in the world. 

In just about every country, the most important part of successful gifting is making sure that you choose the gift with care and attention. It’s important to put plenty of thought and time into picking something that the other person will love. However, if you’re keen to learn more about presents in other countries, here are some insights. 1. Refusing Gifts is Common in the East

In East Asia, it’s surprisingly common for someone to refuse a gift at least a few times before they’re willing to accept it. If someone in your social circle happens to be from Japan, China, or Singapore, then that person would usually be expected to refuse a gift a few times to avoid seeming as though they’re impatient or greedy. 

If you’re being offered a gift by someone from one of these cultures, be prepared to say “no” politely once or twice before you accept. Additionally, when someone does receive a gift from you from one of these countries, you’re expected to thank them for taking the gift, rather than them thanking you for giving it. 2. Show Care in Asia and the Middle East

In all parts of the world, something as precious as a gift probably deserves a little bit of extra care and protection. However, if you’re in the Middle East, East Asia, or India, then how you handle the gift is very important. In various parts of Asia and the middle east, the left hand is usually seen as unclean so you will need to use your right hand for giving and receiving gifts. 

If two hands are required to accept the gift – try not to worry about this too much. In eastern China, you should always offer or accept gifts with both of your hands, and keep your palms facing up when you do. Don’t be afraid to ask for some advice if you’re not sure about the cultural rules here. 3. Gifts are A Good Thank You

In Russia and Asia, people give gifts as a way of showing gratitude more than simple friendship or love. Russia considers thank-you cards to be impractical and useless, so you’re intended to give a gift to anyone who hosts you for a dinner party or an overnight stay. 

Whatever reason you choose for giving your gift, however, etiquette experts agree that gifts should always be wrapped. The kind of wrapping you do, and the colors you choose may vary depending on where you are, for instance. Gifts are only given to the dead in yellow paper in China, and in South America, black and purple colors are associated with death too. In Japan, it may make more sense to wrap a gift in cloth than paper. 4. Choose the Item Carefully

In more parts of the world than you might think, the kind of item you give as a gift is very important. For instance, in China, giving someone an umbrella means that you want your relationship with them to end. In Hong Kong and China, giving someone a green hat also means that that person’s wife is cheating on them, or that their sister is a prostitute. 

Handkerchiefs, clocks, sandals, and various other items can also be dangerous in China and Hong Kong too. Best to  doyour research before you begin shopping. In a lot of countries, it’s also a terrible idea to give anything sharp as a gift. Scissors and knives generally symbolize the cutting of ties and the end of a relationship. 5. Getting the Numbers Right

Finally, if you’re giving multiple gifts in Asia and Europe, remember that unlucky numbers are often problematic. In Europe, odd numbers are usually the preferred choice for a lot of people, this is common in India too. On the other hand, in East Asia, even numbers are deemed lucky. 

In certain countries, even giving zero gifts might be the right idea. In Yemen, for instance, receiving a gift from anyone but your closest friend is embarrassing. You’ll need to be extra careful that you and your friend are super close before you start wrapping.