In life, it is customary to celebrate joyful events with the exchange or giving of gifts. Despite which end you are on, the act of gifting can be fun and exciting. There are, however, certain unspoken rules of etiquette that should be followed. Here are some basic guidelines to help keep you on track:

For starters, if you happen to receive two of the same items as gifts, you have several options. You can always keep both and have a spare on hand. This works well with certain household appliances, such as coffee pots. For parties and entertaining, two coffee pots come in handy. In one you can brew regular coffee and in the other you can serve up decaffeinated coffee for those who get the jitters. Your other options when receiving two identical gifts are returning or regifting one of the items. If you opt to return one, speak with the person who gave you the gift and let them know that you appreciate the gesture, however, you did receive two of the same item. Explain to them that you will be returning theirs to the store so that you can exchange it for something else. Ask them if this is okay. In most cases, gift givers want you to be happy and satisfied with their gift so they will not be offended.

Your last option, regifting, must be handled delicately. Discretion is imperative. Only regift items to those individuals who are not within the same circle as the person who gave you the gift. The item must be new and in its original package. Make sure you rewrap the

Properly thanking people is also important. For birthdays and general occasions, sending out thank you cards is only necessary if you haven't already thanked someone in person. For special occasions such as weddings and anniversaries, thank you cards are the proper way to thank someone for their gift - even if you have already spoken your words of gratitude. Thank you notes should always be handwritten and sent out promptly.

The last item of consideration is deciding who to gift to - particularly around Christmas time. As a general rule of thumb, you are usually only obligated to buy presents for those people that you have traditionally exchanged gifts with. If someone gives you a gift that you don't normally buy for, simply say thank you and tell them that you appreciate their thoughtfulness. Nothing more needs to be said. Maybe you can start a gift giving tradition with them or maybe not. Don't feel obligated to have to run out and buy them a gift.

By remembering the basics of gift giving etiquette, you will properly display your sincerity and gift giving flair without insulting, annoying or upsetting anyone. Gifting is an art - follow these simple guidelines and you'll have a great part of it mastered.

© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. Need more great gift ideas for a variety of people and occasions? Visit The Home Gift Shopper at http://www.homegiftshopper.com

Find updates and additional resources for this article online at: http://www.homegiftshopper.com/giftideas/1956/gift-giving-and-receiving-etiquette/

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