Giving Gifts in China
By Filomena Mitchell
XPI China Correspondent

The Chinese will generally appreciate receiving gifts that are made in the country of the visitor's origin -- something unique and practical that cannot be purchased in China. Nowadays, many Chinese are interested in learning English, so English books are usually a popular item -- including picture books showing scenery from your particular area.

Here are a few more gift-giving suggestions:
Gifts to individuals should be fairly small in value ($10 to $15 U.S.) If you are presenting gifts to more than one individual, make sure that all the gifts are roughly of equal value. And do not omit anyone present or anyone who may have been helpful to you during your stay. For this reason, you may want to take a few extra gifts with you, just in case.

Gifts to the company may be of higher value and should be presented to the head of the group at a dinner banquet or at the conclusion of a business meeting. Avoid very expensive gifts, unless it is a very important business deal.

If you are invited to a person's home, it is common courtesy to bring along a small gift -- again mementos from your home country or small toys for the children would be appropriate, along with some fruit. This shows that you are concerned about the welfare of the entire family and not just interested in a business relationship.

It is normal for a Chinese person to refuse your gift two or three times before finally accepting it. Accepting a gift without first refusing may be interpreted as a sign of greed. However, just insist that the gift is a very small token and that you would be honored if it was accepted. You may also be presented with a gift in return as a courtesy or as acknowledgement of a relationship. If the gift is wrapped, it is considered impolite to open it in front of the giver, unless he or she encourages you to do so.

Use the traditional lucky colors of red or gold to wrap your gifts. Avoid using white or black, since they are considered colors of mourning.

The Chinese also consider it good luck to give things in pairs or even multiples. So if you're bringing oranges, take along six or eight, instead of an odd number. The host will often give back part of the gift to you (as in the case of oranges), as a way to return some of the good luck to you.

The one gift that you should avoid giving to a Chinese is a clock. In Cantonese, "clock" is a homophone that means "to go to a funeral" and may be construed as wishing death upon the person. Likewise, it is considered bad luck to give sharp objects such as a knife or scissors because it represents the severing of a friendship. Flowers have traditionally been only given to those in hospitals, or worse, at funerals. However, this is changing with the times, but the notion of presenting individual flowers in even numbers still apply.