In many countries, it is customary to take a gift, like flowers, to give to the host or hostess. However, there are rules for gift giving, specific to various cultures —certain protocol that you should follow depending on where you are. The last thing you want to do is upset someone who has welcomed you into their home, especially when your intention was just the opposite.
Advice
- Check the protocol in any international destination. A gift of alcohol may be frowned upon
- Try to keep it simple. You don't want to upstage the host
- If international, take something special from your own country to give along the way. Example – Australians could take a few boxes of chocolate-coated macadamia nuts to give to their hosts.
- If domestic, try to find out
Ideas
- Local flowers – source from the area you are in so they are fresh. Usually only given to a female hostess
- Local sweets – try to find a bakery or similar in the area so it is fresh
- Small toys if there are young children. Make sure there are no small parts.
- Wine – pick something in the $15-$30 range
