Giving Gifts

To conclude this blog on business in Spain my last post will talk about gift giving. It is important to know the etiquette of gift giving in Spain because you don’t want to give a gift at an inappropriate moment or seem like you are trying to bribe the Spaniards and offend them. The following are the most appropriate times to give gifts:

·         Christmas- Companies in Spain give their employees a hamper or basket of fancy food and drinks as a tradition. Companies also often send bottles of cava, champagne, or wine at Christmas to their best clients.

·         Successful Negotiations- Once a negotiation has been closed and both parties have come to an agreement then it is time to celebrate by giving a gift. Give only a small token gift though. Flowers or chocolate are preferred if it’s a female and a good bottle of wine if it’s a male.

·         Invited to a Spanish Home- When you are invited over to a Spanish home you should always give the host/hostess a gift. The gift can be something such as fine wine, chocolates, dessert items such as pastries, or flowers. If you choose flowers don’t give them dahlias, chrysanthemums, white lilies or red roses, and the flowers should be an odd amount that is not thirteen (this number is considered bad luck).

Tips to Follow About Gift Giving

·         If you receive a gift open it immediately in front of the giver and say Gracias (Thank You)!

·         When offering any gift, you should ensure that it is a high-quality item [perhaps a brand-name] and that it is finely wrapped.

·         Never give anything too personal or extravagant otherwise your gift may come off as a bribe.

·         Only give gifts with your company name/logo if it is a fine pen or a tasteful desk accessory.

·         If you come unprepared and have no gift then a bottle of fine brandy or whisky is always appreciated.

·         Gifts are usually not exchanged at business meetings.

Works Cited

Bosrock., Mary M. "Spain - Cultural Etiquette." Spain - Cultural Etiquette - E Diplomat. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 May 2013. <http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_es.htm>.

"Doing Business in Spain." Business Culture in Spain, Business Etiquette in Spain. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 May 2013. <http://www.strongabogados.com/business-culture.php>.

"International Gift Giving Etiquette - Spain." International Gift Giving Etiquette - Spain. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 May 2013. <http://www.1worldglobalgifts.com/spaingiftgivingetiquette.htm>.