If you are visiting Australia for the first time or have made a new friend in the country, you need to know that Australians are very kind and humble and appreciate authentic people.
The social structures in the country are pretty laid-back and relaxed, with people having cozy dinner parties or evening barbeques at their homes with a bunch of close friends and family. And commonly, gifts are only exchanged when the situation demands.
So, if you are planning to give a friend or a loved one Australian gift hampers, the most appropriate thing you can do is keep it simple. Also, remember that simplicity is the name of the game and Australians appreciate the thought behind the gift rather than what you have gifted.
Furthermore, if you are still confused about what to give your friend, here are some gifting guides you must follow when in Australia.
Gift Giving customs in Australia
Show Up With Some Chocolates And Flowers At A Dinner Party
If someone has invited you to their house for dinner and drinks, you must show up with a simple gift to show appreciation towards your host or hostess. A simple box of chocolates, wine or even some flowers can be a good idea.
Go All The Way Out During The Holiday Season
Gifts are exchanged on occasions like Christmas or birthdays, and you can go all the way out with your gift during these occasions for your family and friends. But remember, you keep in mind the kind of relationship you have with them before deciding on the gift.
Get Some Nice Wine To A Barbeque Party
Barbecue parties are prevalent in Australia, and if you are ever invited to one, it is best to carry your liquor, and you must keep it on the common bar table. It signifies your contribution to the gathering. Moreover, if it is a informal setting, then you can even bring in some meat.
It Is Ok To Open Gifts In Front Of The Guests
It is often considered rude in many parts of the world if the recipients open the gifts in front of the guests. But, in Australia, do not be surprised if the recipients open your gifts in front of you upon receiving them.
Business Gift-Giving Customs In Australia
When you meet someone for the first time for business purposes, exchanging your business cards is an unsaid rule. However, gifts during a business meeting are not customary, but who doesn’t like a warm surprise.
While selecting a gift the person keeps in mind the relation you have with them. It is acceptable to give a colleague an appropriate gift to mark a milestone or show gratitude and cultivate positive relationships. However, in some business settings, gifting can come across as a bribe. So, consider the nature of your business relationship carefully with the recipient before gifting them anything.
Occasions When Exchanging Gifts Is Acceptable
- Birthday parties for children, teenagers, and adults alike
- Weddings or any other wedding-related function such as a bridal shower.
- Retirement
- Festivals like Christmas and Easter.
- Saint Joseph’s day and all other saints’ days.
- While it is not customary, many even exchange gifts on New Year’s as well.
Some Tips To Keep In Mind
- In Australia, people are very environmentally friendly, and they will appreciate an eco-friendly gift. Also, if you find a truly recycled item, do not shy away from gifting it to your friends or family on a suitable occasion.
- A souvenir or a traditional gift from your home country will be appreciated and makes for a good gesture. Moreover, such gifts open up conversation and will help your friends understand your culture better.
- Keep it simple, and do not give an extremely lavish item as it might make you seem uptight.
- You could also consider giving your hostsAustralian gift hampers, which can be easily found online. These gifts are hassle-free and appreciated by everyone.
To sum up, you must keep in mind the etiquettes mentioned above before deciding what gift you would like to give to your family and friends.
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