Giving gifts is a way to express our sincerity to our business partners. However, choosing gifts for partners is never easy. So, take some time to refer to the following article to gain more experience in choosing gifts for foreign partners that are unique, meaningful, and quintessentially Vietnamese!
1 Gift-giving culture for foreigners
Each country has its own unique gift-giving culture that aligns with its customs and traditions. Here is an overview of gift-giving customs for foreigners in some countries.
American Partners
Giving wine to American partners
According to US law, government officials are not allowed to accept gifts while performing their duties. Especially, if the gift is worth more than 50 USD, it must be returned to the agency.
Therefore, if your partner is American, you need to be very considerate in choosing and giving gifts. If you want to make them happy, you can give them movie tickets, concert tickets, or a small, simple gift like a book, a bouquet of flowers, or a bottle of wine…
For reference: 10 meaningful and unique gifts for 2023
Japanese Partners
Self-wrapping gifts for partners shows sincerity
The Japanese believe that a gift is a way to show respect, affection, and gratitude to others. Therefore, they value the form over the value of the gift.
When choosing a gift for a Japanese partner, opt for wrapping paper with floral or simple yet elegant patterns. Avoid fox-themed wrapping paper as foxes are considered deceitful and cunning in Japanese culture. It is also advisable to wrap the gift yourself instead of using a ready-made box.
For reference:
Korean Partners
Giving gifts with both hands shows sincerity to Korean partners
To show respect to your Korean partners or customers, wrap the gifts carefully and present them with both hands.
Also, avoid using a red pen to write gift cards, as Koreans believe that only the deceased have their names written in red ink. Additionally, Koreans consider the number 4 to be unlucky, so try to avoid it when giving gifts!
German Partners
Lacquer painting – a gift that conveys Vietnamese cultural values
Germans tend to value and appreciate gifts that represent a country’s cultural values. Therefore, you can choose Vietnamese specialties or products that embody the characteristics of the Vietnamese people to give to your German partners.
Chinese Partners
A fruit basket is a suitable gift for Chinese partners
The Chinese also attach great importance to gift-giving as they believe it is a way to show respect to others. They often favor health-promoting foods, so you can choose various nuts, fruits, health supplements, ginseng, etc., as gifts for your Chinese partners.
However, keep in mind that clocks symbolize stagnation, stopping, or short-term in Chinese culture. Therefore, when giving gifts to Chinese partners, avoid clocks and the number 4 as well!
For reference: A guide to making 3 beautiful and simple Christmas gifts
Partners who follow Hinduism
When giving gifts to Hindu partners, choose red wrapping paper
Cows are considered sacred animals in Hinduism, so avoid giving gifts derived from cows to Hindu customers or partners. Also, since Hindus do not drink alcohol, refrain from giving them wine or any fermented fruit juice.
Pay attention to the color of the wrapping paper, opting for red, green, or yellow, and avoiding black or white. Always use both hands when giving a gift, as the left hand is considered unclean in Hinduism.
Muslim Partners
A compass is a suitable gift for Muslim partners
In Islamic culture, the Quran strictly prohibits alcoholic beverages. Therefore, if your partner is a Muslim, do not give them any alcohol, including fermented fruit juices. Also, avoid giving products derived from pigs, birds, and crustaceans.
A meaningful gift for Muslim partners is a compass, as Muslims must face the Kaaba in Mecca during daily prayers. A compass can help them easily find the direction of this sacred site.
2 How to choose appropriate gifts for foreign partners
To select suitable gifts for foreign partners, consider the following suggestions:
Gifts that showcase Vietnamese cultural identity
Vietnamese culture is rich and unique, ranging from cuisine to scenic landscapes, historical sites, and waterways. Therefore, it is not challenging to choose gifts that embody the cultural identity of Vietnam to present to foreign partners.
Consider giving them paintings of lotuses, the One Pillar Pagoda, or lacquer paintings… These gifts not only showcase the beauty of Vietnamese culture but also convey your sincerity and desire for long-term cooperation.
Choose gifts that align with your partner’s culture
For Japanese partners
Silk scarves are suitable gifts for Japanese partners
Japanese gift-giving culture is complex and strict in terms of etiquette. They do not focus on the monetary value of a gift and frown upon inquiries about its worth. Instead, they value the way a gift is wrapped.
The wrapping should consist of three layers, and the outer layer should be tied with a silk ribbon twisted into a rope shape to demonstrate the giver’s sincerity. Avoid white wrapping paper, as the Japanese associate it with funerals and death.
The most appropriate gift for Japanese partners is a silk scarf. It is not only meaningful but also embodies the essence of Vietnam.
For British partners
Giving wine to British partners
British gift-giving culture is not heavily focused on personal or corporate gain. Instead, they value simple and practical gifts, such as a bottle of fine wine.
For American partners
A necktie is a simple yet meaningful gift
Americans have a civilized, outgoing, and uncomplicated lifestyle. Choosing a gift for an American partner is not difficult; a necktie or even a puppy can be a great option to bring them joy.
Gifts that combine the cultures of both countries
Flowers are suitable for creating connections
Flowers are an optimal choice to offer on occasions when your country and your partner’s country collaborate or establish business relationships. Flowers are appropriate for various occasions, including birthdays, openings, anniversaries, meetings, etc. Additionally, giving a potted plant for the office desk is also a thoughtful choice.
Focus on the form and quality of the gift
Choose luxurious and high-quality gifts
To demonstrate your sincerity to your partners, select gifts that impress them at first sight. The gift should be grand, sophisticated, and polite.
Not only should you focus on the appearance, but you must also ensure the gift’s quality. Through the gift, you can assert your company’s credibility, value, and class. This will help you gain the trust and confidence of your customers.
3 Suggestions for 10+ meaningful gifts for foreign partners
Local Specialties
Ho Tay Lotus Tea – a famous delicacy
Local specialties are a great choice to offer as gifts, allowing you to showcase your hospitality and goodwill while expressing your desire for long-term cooperation. Suggestions include Ho Tay Lotus Tea, Tra Bong Cinnamon, Com Vong Village Green Rice Cakes, Ca Mau Dried Shrimp, and Pia Cake with Durian…
Vietnamese Coffee
Coffee – an ideal gift for partners
Vietnam is the world’s largest exporter of coffee. Therefore, giving coffee to foreign partners showcases sophistication and refinement while promoting Vietnamese coffee globally.
Wine
Dalat Wine – a renowned wine brand
Wine is considered a symbol of luck and prosperity. Therefore, giving wine to foreign partners is an interesting choice, as it is a classy, refined gift that never goes out of style. If your partner is a wine collector, a bottle of wine would be an excellent choice.
Calligraphy or Paintings
Village landscape painting
In addition to wine and coffee, you can choose calligraphy or paintings that showcase the beauty of Vietnamese culture to give to your partners. These gifts not only bring luck and prosperity in business but also embody the aesthetic value and cultural essence of Vietnam.
