In today's society, people from different cultures live, work and do business together. It is inevitable that at some point of our lives, we may be faced with the situation that we may be getting gifts for others who are not from the same cultural background as us. Having a basic understanding of some culturally related gift giving etiquette or protocol is important if you want to ensure that your gifts would not offend the recipient - even unintentionally. Therefore, do some research before giving.

Be aware of religious differences
People from different religions usually lead their lives guided by principles of their faith. Hence, gifts receiving is no exception and one would do well to be more sensitive to the differences.

For Muslims: Anything to do with pigs or its by products is consideredforbidden. That includes leather (from pig's skin), lard (found in some food products), gelatin (found in sweets) and other animal food products (if the animal is not slaughtered according to their Muslim rituals).

For Buddhists: Beef and its by products are usually not consumed by people of this faith because cows are considered their sacred animals.

For Christians: Most Christians would not like to receive figurines of serpents or other human form, especially if they represent some form of gods from other cultures. Idol worshipping is prohibited in this faith.

Besides religious differences, one must also be sure to consider the racial, cultural and regional factors when getting a gift for someone who is from another place.

Orientals have their own sets of taboos when it comes to gifts giving. Anything that are homophones to another with an inauspicious meaning must be avoided. For example: clocks are homophones to "funeral", and one should avoid giving them as a gifts at all cost. Other items like knives and letter openers are also not good gift items. The colors black, white and sometimes yellow, are also considered unlucky by certain cultures and one must try to avoid giving gifts (especially garments) that comes in those colors.

In Japan, gifts giving plays an important role in their culture and there are gifts giving protocols that one must adhere to. Hence, it is better to research on the topic if you will be sending gifts to people in Japan or to the Japanese.

Other points to consider

• Do try to get something that your recipient will not likely to be able to buy in his/ her own country
• Do get something that is of good quality
• Do make sure that the gift is very nicely wrapped and comes with a hand-written message / note
• Do consider a gift of reasonable value but not too extravagant - otherwise it may be returned
• Do personalize the gift with the recipient's name if appropriate