Gift giving is customary in both Chinese and Western cultures, but it seems to be more popular in the West.

Why to give gifts?

The Chinese treat gift giving as something serious and usually will not do so without a good reason, especially between friends, family members, etc. They generally give gifts to thank others for their help or when they are invited to attend a party, a wedding ceremony, or to visit a teacher, a patient, etc. To Westerners, gift giving is not only a way to express thanks, but also a means of keeping a good relationship with others. Therefore it is common for family members, friends, couples, and so on, to exchange gifts.

When to give gifts?

In China the occasions requiring gifts and presents mainly include friends’ birthday parties, wedding ceremonies, baby showers, and visiting old people, especially during festivals, or visiting sick friends or relatives. Westerners may give gifts on any occasion, and the following situations are where gifts and presents are necessary: weddings, Christmas, birthdays, wedding anniversaries, house-warming parties, baby showers, graduation, etc.

What to give as gifts?

The Chinese seem to be more practical in this respect. Money is the primary choice in many cases, such as for a friend’s wedding ceremony, for children during the Spring Festival, for parents, etc. Besides, the Chinese are careful about choosing different gifts and presents for different people according to their likes and needs. For example, they may choose tonics for the elderly, cigarettes and alcohol for relatives who drink and smoke, etc. Westerners seem to be more romantic when it comes to choosing gifts and presents. Common choices are flowers, chocolate, wine, etc., and in most cases a small gift is fine.