An Indonesian guide to gracious gift giving<\/p>\n
By Sneha<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Most of us will have experienced the pleasure of
\nreceiving and giving gifts. A gift is a token of goodwill,
\naffection and friendship. A gift received when least expected
\nevokes even greater joy because the element of surprise adds to
\nthe pleasure.<\/p>\n
A gift must be tied with heartstrings. Do not give just for
\nthe sake of it, and don't expect a return from it. Knowing the
\nreceiver's likes, dislikes and needs is a must when searching for
\na gift. For example, paintings, garden tools or accessories would
\nnot be appropriate for a person who likes reading. That person
\nwould rather get an interesting magazine or book.<\/p>\n
Giving presents is a real pleasure when the following is
\nremembered:<\/p>\n
1. Do not give a present with the price tag still attached. It
\ntells the person to note the price and to reciprocate when she or
\nhe decides to give in return.<\/p>\n
2. Do not give a gift to anyone because you've got to. If you
\ndo so, it looks as if it was a mere formality you had to fulfill.
\nRemember, in this case neither party is happy.<\/p>\n
3. Do not give a gift that has already expired, such as old
\nchocolate or canned food. It creates a bad impression. Sometimes
\nit spoils good relations.<\/p>\n
4. Always try your best to give a gift which is suitable to
\nthe recipient.<\/p>\n
5. Do not give a gift unwrapped or without a name card. It
\nnever reaches the right person or might get misplaced.<\/p>\n
In return, the recipient should show graciousness while
\naccepting the gift, indicating his or her pleasure in a few
\nappropriate words. If the gift received is not to your liking, do
\nnot make the person feel it is a total waste.<\/p>\n
You can express your feelings if the sender is a relative. You
\ncould probably tell him or her that the gift does not fit you
\nproperly or the color is dull or the design old. It probably
\ncould then be exchanged.<\/p>\n
Sometimes people don't know what to give a friend and spend
\ntwo to three days looking for an appropriate gift. When receiving
\nit, the recipient is expected to say that it is just the thing
\nthey need. That fulfills the other's objective and makes him or
\nher feel that the effort was worth it.<\/p>\n
Acknowledging a gift is important because it helps the sender
\nconfirm that you have received the present. People who
\nacknowledge a gift and send a thank you card do their part, but
\nthe ones who don't leave the giver wondering whether the presents
\nreached their destination. Therefore, it is very important to
\ngraciously acknowledge the receipt of a gift. Expressing
\ngratitude may not seem important to the receiver but failure to
\ndo so could hurt the giver.<\/p>\n
Nothing on earth can be one-sided, so gift giving must be
\nreciprocal. The gift need not be worth an equivalent amount but
\nmust be sent sooner rather than later. This maintains your self-
\nrespect and leaves you under no obligation.<\/p>",
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