Holiday Gift-Giving Etiquette Everyone Should Practice

Gift-giving can be tricky, especially during the holidays. Everyone is buying presents and receiving them – so many things could go wrong. During this festive time, the last thing anyone wants is to feel stressed out over presents. Thankfully, following a few unspoken rules can make things easier. Here’s a basic etiquette guide that can easily make you everyone’s favorite guest this season!

While it may take away the element of surprise, asking people what they need also decreases your chances of making a wrong choice. Who needs a few seconds of anticipation when you can be assured of 100% satisfaction? If your friend or family member knows you're giving them a present anyway, there’s no harm in asking them what they’d like, straight up.

Some people would say “no gifts, please” and that’s perfectly okay. However, this can make friends or family feel awkward. If you don’t want to arrive at a holiday party empty handed, get creative with your gifts. Try bringing a simple token or a gift that everyone can share, like a bottle of wine or a breadbasket. If you have time to spare, offer that. Babysitting and dog walking are valuable presents.

If you’re joining a Kris Kringle or Secret Santa, make sure you follow the rules. Usually, the purpose of organized gift-giving is – aside from fun – to spare people from having to buy presents for everyone. However, if you insist on doing the latter, respect your recipient’s Secret Santa and do not get the same gift.

Spruce up a simple gift with some personalized gift wrapping. Add ribbons and stickers. Seal edges with washi tape. Add a card with a heart-felt note; use a sparkly pen to write it. If you want to make an even bigger impact, use recycled wrappers, such as old flyers or magazine pages. Shipping your present? Secure them in bubble wrap from old packages. All these little details make your present more magical.

In this age of excess, everyone gets a gift they don’t want or need. While it might be tempting to re-gift them, do it with caution. Remember who gave it to you so you don’t accidentally send it back to them. Remove all tags and re-wrap it for a personal touch. Check the size, appearance, expiration date, and other factors that might make your gift useless. Never re-gift anything that was made especially for you. Finally, avoid re-gifting within the same social circle. You don’t want that kind of drama.

Gift-giving etiquette isn’t just about what you give – it’s also when you give it. Avoid giving your present in front of other people, especially if you didn’t get them anything. This keeps people from feeling awkward, or worse, left out. Moreover, don’t make people open gifts on the spot. You don’t want to pressure your friend or family member into expressing delight at your present. Let them have their moment and open it in private.

If you’re trying to impress someone – like a boss, mother-in-law, or a well-informed beauty girl– try not to overspend. The best gifts are thoughtful and personal; they don’t have to be super expensive. Giving overpriced presents can make anyone feel uncomfortable, especially if they can’t reciprocate the gesture. Keep it at a reasonable price range. Instead of placing value on price, think about how it might be useful or interesting to the other person.

Gift-giving can be a chore – why not reward yourself for it? Get yourself a gift in the process. You deserve it! From November 11 to December 12, get a “Gift for U” worth up to P200 when you buy any bundle of Unilever Personal Care products from Shopee and Lazada. It’s the best time to get your shopping done with huge discounts, vouchers, and free shipping.

Create a personal care package for your friends and family – a gift anyone would appreciate. Get them a fragrant body wash for recreating the spa experience at home. Throw in a deodorant, handwash, and toothpaste to complete the self-care mix. Shop these exciting essentials in bundles and get a free gift for yourself:

Watch your friends’ faces light up when they see packages of fragrant bath products underneath their Christmas trees. For those who love long, relaxing baths, get Dove Go Fresh Sakura Blossom Body Wash and Dove Go Fresh Cucumber and Green Tea Body Wash, each available in bundles of two. Meanwhile, moms and babies will love a bundle of Baby Dove Hair To Toe Rich Soothing Moisture 885ml, which gently cleanses and nourishes sensitive skin.

These days, it’s perfectly acceptable to give personal care items as presents. Your closest friends and family members would appreciate a hygiene kit complete with all the essentials. Stock it with LIFEBUOY Antibacterial Handwash Total 10 200ml Pump and a 180ml Refill Bundle, for clean hands at home and on the go.

Add deodorants that suit their personality: Dove 0% Aluminum Deodorant Aerosol for the friend with sensitive skin, Rexona Women Natural Brightening Fresh Sakura Roll-on Antiperspirant Deodorant for the fashionista, and Rexona Men Ice Cool Roll-on Antiperspirant Deodorant for guys who love being the center of attention. All these are available in bundles of two, perfect for gift-giving.

Finally, greet them a merry holiday season with closeup Red Hot Toothpaste, which comes in a 175g twin pack. These toothpastes get rid of bacteria while keeping your breath fresh all day.

Gift-giving doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these rules of etiquette to make your holiday preparations simpler and more fun. Don’t forget to shop at Unilever Personal Care stores in Shopee and Lazada from November 11 to December 12 to get great deals and freebies!