A Short Guide to Gift Etiquette

Gift etiquette can feel like a set of unwritten rules, but most of it comes down to one principle: make the other person comfortable. Here is a short guide to the questions we are asked most often.

How much should you spend? Match the spirit of the occasion and your relationship, not a fixed number. A thoughtful, modest gift is always better than an extravagant one that leaves the recipient feeling they must reciprocate.

Should you give a gift at a wedding? Yes, or send one. If the couple has a registry, it is the safest choice, because it reflects what they have actually asked for. If not, choose something they can use and keep.

What about a thank-you? A gift given to you deserves acknowledgement, ideally within a couple of weeks. A short handwritten note is enough. Mention the gift and how you plan to use it.

What if you receive a gift you do not like? Thank the giver warmly for the thought, and leave it there. The gesture is the gift.

In a business setting, check any company policy before giving or accepting, and keep gifts modest and appropriate to the relationship. Whatever the occasion, timing matters: arriving a little early is always better than arriving late.

When the occasion is large, the etiquette becomes design. That is where our celebrations begin.