Here you can find the answers to some frequently ask questions about gift giving …

Champagne, Wines and More

Can I, should I, send alcoholic beverages to and within Europe?
The gift of a good alcoholic beverage is usually acceptable and appreciated as a nice touch. It is a classic gift—champagne for a celebration, a wonderful bottle of wine to accompany delicious treats. There are, however, special considerations when sending a gift that includes alcohol.

There are international restrictions on shipping alcohol?
Some countries do not allow alcohol to be shipped into the country.

Are there any religious or family restrictions on consuming alcohol?
It all depends on the recipient. It’s important that you know the recipient when sending him an alcohol gift.

Can beer be an elegant gift?
Yes. Beer (especially larger bottles) when carefully selected and combined with the right ingredients will be considered an elegant gift - especially now that the beer industry is working to position its quality beers against wine and expensive distilled liquors.

What if the recipient is a connoisseur?
If so, make sure it is a label that will be appreciated in the country and region where you send it. Which wine do you send to your client in Bordeaux?

Chocolates and Candies

Are chocolates and candies a good gift choice?
Yes, almost always. They are enjoyed in all places by all ages.

Can truffles include alcohol?
Consider if this is acceptable to the recipient and make sure the recipient has no dietary restrictions.

European chocolates and candies are considered gourmet by Europeans?
Chocolate labels from the Americas are not prized in Europe.

There are so many kinds of chocolates. Which do I send?
In general, don’t worry, but...Serious chocolate lovers tend to prefer dark chocolate to milk chocolate.

Flowers

Flowers seem to be appreciated as gift the world over. They remind people that you are thinking of them.

Are there special occasions for giving flowers?
Yes, but traditions around life events are similar the world over: romance (old, new and hoped for), congratulations, wedding, new baby, funeral (note: Consider the gift of a fruit basket with an accompanying note of condolence as a wonderful way to support the family. Tradition however is still flowers).

Anytime. It's never wrong to send flowers!

Flowers seem expensive for what you get. Are they a good budget choice?
Usually, they are. While they are not inexpensive, you usually get noticeably more flowers for your money in Europe than in the United States.

Are some flowers more or less popular in Europe than in the North America?
Tastes do differ:

- Excuse the pun, but carnations and daisies do not make the cut in Europe.

- Generally Europeans appreciate more exotic arrangements and are impressed by originality and quality of the flowers.

- Consider a potted plant - a lasting gift.

Should my choice of flowers be affected by where I wish to send them?
Yes. Someone located in Holland near the world's largest flower market may expect something different than someone located in Arizona.

Fruit Baskets and Gourmet Baskets

Everyone appreciates a wonderful basket of goodies. Once again, it is important to take into account the tastes and location of the recipient. To Italy, for example, where high quality fruit is inexpensive, consider sending a gift of gourmet nuts and candies. In general around the world, fruits and nuts that are delicious and well known but that do not grown locally are highly prized.

Is there a classic fruit basket?
The classic, festive fruit basket has fruit, a bottle of wine, and a box of chocolates. Less common - it never hurts to be a little different - is a combination of fruit and cheese.

Can you give a fruit basket for a funeral?
Fruit baskets are becoming a popular gift to express condolences. A gift of food is a thoughtful alternative to the traditional flowers, but explain your intention on your gift card.

Here are some advices when giving a gourmet basket:
Gourmet baskets are as fun for the giver as they are tasty to the recipient. They convey the thoughtfulness with which they were chosen for a special occasion:

a picnic or dinner basket: a special afternoon evening
a housewarming: a tasty treat for those arriving at a new home in a new country
an at-home escape: gourmet food for new parents who may not have a chance to get out together for a while
Goodies to share: for an office celebration or reunion
One meal or snack during a traditional holiday: Christmas breakfast, for example

Gifts of Relaxation

"I want a gift that celebrates quality of life!"
You are not alone. Gifts that let the recipient feel pampered and healthy have become popular in many countries. The gift can include items ranging from spa products that soothe the skin to healthy snacks that energize the body. In a hectic world such gifts are truly appreciated.

Note: If your recipient is into health but might not wish to be pampered, consider gourmet organic food. Such items are becoming more available and increasingly appreciated.

PROBABLY ONE OF THE MOST ASKED QUESTIONS IS:
How might I want a gift I send to Europe to differ from one I send within the United States?
It is risky to generalize because Europeans, like Americans, are individuals. Since you are reading this to get some general guidance, let's take the risk.

Size makes less of an impression on the recipient in Europe than in America: a tower of gifts, lots of cellophane and packaging make a gift basket look as large as possible and increase the thrill of opening. A fun, jumbo tin of party popcorn might fit the occasion perfectly. In Europe, the same popcorn tin might confuse the recipient - especially a typical European who does not eat not eat popcorn as snack food or may prefer it sprinkled with sugar rather than salt.
In Europe and many other parts of the world, recipients will value quality and originality over quantity: they appreciate elegant packaging, but see less as more. They value originality "in style" gifts that are a little more "edgy" than a recipient might expect in America.
How best can I show my good taste and thoughtfulness and send a gift that fits local tradition and tastes? Think about local life style and tradition as well as local perception of quality in the brands, labels, and types of products included in the gift.
Just as you know not to "send coal into New Castle," you can imagine that it is risky to send a bottle of wine into France. Unless the wine is chosen with care, it may not be appreciated.
What is perceived as an expensive, high-quality label at home may be unknown at your gift's destination. Or it may be so well known it is considered ordinary.
Note: Belgians pride themselves on knowing quality in beer and chocolate. They enjoy giving and receiving them as gifts.

For an informative list of gift-giving protocol around the world:
http://www.4hb.com/0113intergift.html

For additional considerations on choice of gift:
http://www.netique.com/giftsearch/international.html
http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/international_gift_giving.htm
http://www.1worldglobalgifts.com/giftgivingetiquetteandcustoms.htm
http://www.culturalsavvy.com/gift_giving.htm