Gift giving in Singapore

1. Gift Giving Etiquette in Singapore: Know Your Host’s Culture to Give the Correct Gift Singapore is a multiethnic society comprising of Chinese, Malay, and Indian communities. Though the country is small, but it is densely populated with people from all over the world. The population of Singapore comprises 76% Chinese, 15% Malay, and 6% Indian cultures. In Singapore, gift giving is a common way of expressing thanks, and customary during the festive seasons. Each ethnic community shares different gift giving traditions. So, it becomes imperative for you to know about your host’s cultural heritage to give them the correct gift. Chinese in Singapore: Do not give clocks, white candles and joss sticks as these items are associated with funeral in Chinese culture. You can present a gift of money but make sure you only give even numbers/amounts of bills in a red envelope. Chinese consider number ‘8’ as lucky number while number ‘4’ is associated with the word ‘die’. So, when you are presenting a gift that has something to do with numbers, choose anything in sets of 8 and not 4. Do not give items that are used for cutting such as knives, scissors, daggers, and penknives as they symbolize that you want end the relationship with them. Some of the best gifts that are well received by Chinese people include wallet, belt, chocolate, coffee, perfumes and clothing. Malay Malays accept gifts with pleasure and will often reciprocate. There are many cultural factors to consider when you plan to give your Malay friend or colleague the perfect gift. Candies and toys are best gifts for children. Avoid giving these items to Malays: alcohol, perfumes containing alcohol, pork or food products containing pig gelatin or pigskin. Offer gifts with the right hand or both hands if the item is large. Avoid wrapping the gift item in white paper as it symbolizes death. Malays prefer green, so you can wrap your present in green. Festive gift sets such as chocolate baskets or coffee gift hampers are practical gift ideas for a Malay host. Gift Giving Etiquette in Singapore: Know Your Host’s Culture to Give the Correct Gift Chinese in Singapore: Gift Giving Etiquette Gift Giving Etiquette Malays s in Singapore: Gift Giving Etiquette in Singapore: Gift Giving Etiquette

2. Indians in Singapore: Gift Giving Etiquette Indians in Singapore: Gift Giving Etiquette If you are giving money as gift, always give it in odd numbers. Odd numbers are considered to be luckier. Wrap gifts in bright colored papers as these bring good fortune. Do not wrap gifts in white or black. Do not present leather products to Indians. Avoid gifting food products containing beef products. The best gift ideas for Indian community in Singapore include chocolate, cookies, coffee and others specialty food. If you know your host is a drinker, then wine is also a great option to present. Gift giving can simply go wrong when you don’t understand the culture of your colleague and friend. To find the perfect gift for your Singaporean friend or colleague, browse online gourmet shop to Singaporeans, then get ready to search online gourmet markets in Singapore to find the ideal gift for your loved one. online gourmet shop for ready-to-go gift hampers. So, now when you know the do’s and don’ts of giving gifts