Spain: Gift Giving

From ExecutivePlanet.com

Selecting and presenting an appropriate business gift

There is a tradition in Spain of companies giving their employees a hamper or basket of food and drink at Christmas [families and friends exchange presents on the Feast of the Epiphany (6 January)].

In ordinary Spanish business culture, however, gifts are usually given only at the conclusion of successful negotiations.

If you receive a gift, you should open it immediately and in front of the giver.

When offering any gift, you should ensure that it is a high-quality item [perhaps a brand-name] and that it is finely wrapped; it should advertise your company name only if it is a fine pen or a tasteful desk accessory.

You should not give anything too extravagant as your generosity may be perceived as a bribe.

If you can travel prepared, representative local artefacts and coffee-table books about your home region will usually be appreciated as gifts. University or sports team shirts and caps can be good choices for your colleagues' children.

If unprepared, a bottle of fine brandy or whisky will always be appreciated.

If you are invited to a Spanish home, you should take chocolates, dessert items such as pastries, or flowers [not dahlias, chrysanthemums, white lilies or red roses, and an odd number of blooms that is not thirteen].

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