For a small country with a high density of population [some 10m people in an area about the size of Maryland] Belgium is remarkably lacking in homogeneity. That is exactly how gift giving should be approached.

BUSINESS GIFT GIVING

It has recently become part of Belgian business culture to give or receive gifts – Brussels being very cosmopolitan is certainly a driver.

If you wish to give a present to a particularly close business associate, for example on closure of a deal or a Christmas gift, you should not include your business card with it or give anything featuring your company logo. Note: most Christmas gifts are given the early January (as Belgiums are famous for taking time off around the Holidays.

Belgiums, renowned for their enjoyment of the good things in life - will appreciate a nice brand of chocolates as a gift such as Neuhaus, Godiva or Marcolini, they are top consumers of champagne in the world, so any gift basket that contains champagne or a nice bottle of wine will be gladly welcomed [no beer, no cheese, nice products rather than a lot of products].

Gifts will be opened in front of the giver and you should do the same if you are the recipient. However they will most likely NOT use or consume your gift during your presence.

PERSONAL GIFT GIVING

It is quite rare to be invited into a Belgian's home so, if you enjoy this privilege [most likely in Flanders], you must be certain to behave accordingly.

Belgians already know that they make the finest chocolates in the world, so it is probably best to take flowers for your hostess [not chrysanthemums, lilies or red roses and, in accordance with the old European tradition, an uneven number that is not thirteen] and perhaps add a bottle of wine for your host.

Any gift should be presented on arrival.

Just as importantly, you must send a hand-written thank-you letter to your hosts to reach them the next day. You might also send flowers [if you have not already given some] or a basket of fruit as a token of gratitude and appreciation

Useful Links Belgium

General information Wikipedia about Belgium
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belgium

Find Belgian postal codes for shipping addresses
http://www.post.be/site/en/postal_codes.html

Find Belgian Addresses and phone numbers (also reverse look-up)
http://www.1207.be/nl/jsp/1x07be_normal_search.jsp

Find a business address.
http://www.goldenpages.be/displayhome.ds