While many social values are the same in the Nordic countries, there are subtle differences between the Fins and the other Scandinavians. Fins are very open-minded, they like to travel, to get to know other cultures. Although their own country also has a lot to offer. Finns are proud of their country. Above all they like the summer, nevertheless they couldn’t image their life without the Finnish winter: they’re fond of winter sport and activities like skiing, dog sledding and Nordic walking. Finland is also regarded as the home of Santa Claus. His “Post Office” is located in Finland, up in the northern of Lapland region. The exquisite spectacle of the polar light in Lapland draws people from around the globe!

Santa Claus isn’t the only responsible for the gifts in Finland. You also can send a gift to Finland. Here are some things to beware of when sending a gift to Helsinki, Tampere, Turku, Kajaani, Oulu or to any city:

BUSINESS GIFT GIVING IN FINLAND

Relationship building often takes place outside the office: in a restaurant or the sauna. Sending a relaxation gift will always be appreciated because the sauna has a special role in the life of Finns. A good advice is never turn down an invitation to use the sauna, as it is an entrenched part of the Finnish culture.
Finns do not require face-to-face contact and, in fact, are quite comfortable using e- mail.
The basic business style is formal, they focus purely on business. That’s why office gifts containing chocolates or biscuits will be appreciated.
Do not send a gift between June and August as many Finns take vacation during the summer.
Treat someone’s business card with respect as it symbolizes the way you will treat them.
There is no taboo on humour in the business environment.

PERSONAL GIFT GIVING IN FINLAND

If you want to send a birthday present to your Finnish grandmother, aunt or to your best Finnish friend, a relaxation gift to relieve the cold and dark Finnish winter months will surely be appreciated.
Christmas is still the most important holiday celebrated in Finland. When sending a gift to your Finnish family, consider giving a gourmet basket with chocolates.
St. Valentine's Day is one of the most recent feasts in the Finnish calendar, it was introduced only a few years ago. Despite the distance, it’s possible to celebrate this special day with your beloved sending him/her a surprise breakfast with fresh fruit, an extremely soft teddy bear or a box of Belgian chocolates.

Links to helpful sites about Estonia:

Holiday dates in Finland
http://www.worldofchristmas.net/christmas-world/finland.html

Taxes and Customs to Send a Gift to Finland
http://www.fedex.com/us/international/irc/profiles/irc_fi_profile.html?gtmcc=us
Finnish Personal White Pages for Addresses & Postal Codes
http://www.verkkoposti.com/e3/postinumeroluettelo
http://www.keltaisetsivut.fi/cgi-bin/gwi679/gSks/gwx/?model=frontpage.gws
http://www.fonecta.fi/
http://www.eniro.fi/