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Etiquette for giving, receiving gifts this holiday

Kristi King | kking@wtop.com

December 4, 2015, 5:03 AM

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Children with Christmas presents behind backs
You receive an unexpected gift.  There’s no need to reciprocate. A sincere “thank you” is fine. (Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
Car and red ribbon
You receive an expensive gift. You don’t have to reciprocate with an equally expensive gift. Just say, “thank you,” and be gracious. You can respond with a thoughtful gift within your budget or perhaps treat your friend to lunch or dinner in the future. (Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
Businessman present gift box
Your boss gives you a gift. No, you don’t have to reciprocate. Just say, “thank you.”   (Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
businesswoman gift box
Should you give your boss a gift? No. Unless you have a long-standing relationship or there are very few people in the office. If you do give a gift to your boss, avoid personal items such as ties or perfume.   (Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
You want to give cash to someone who “needs” the money.  Tell the person you weren’t sure what to get as a present and that you want them to buy something they really would like. (Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
Cynthia Lower, employee of Chateau Ste. Michelle Vineyard in Woodinville, Wash., pours some wine for clients in the tasting room, Friday, Oct. 25, 2002. (AP Photo/Ralph Radford)
Should party hosts serve gifts from guests such as chocolate or wine? No, unless you specifically asked people to bring party favors or refreshments. (AP Photo/Ralph Radford)
AP Photo/Ralph Radford
FILE - In this file photo taken Dec. 12, 2007, a variety of gift cards for use at various stores and restaurants are displayed at a convenience store in Brunswick, Maine. Caps on credit card penalty fees, and bans on gift card expiration dates. These are among the changes in the final round of new consumer card protections set to go into effect Aug. 22, 2010. (AP Photo/Pat Wellenbach, File)
Are cash and gift cards good gifts? Younger and older generations may have different opinions about whether cash and gift cards are appropriate holiday gestures. “Young people certainly appreciate cash. They don’t care if it’s a check or if it’s actual cash. Pre-paid gift cards also are very popular with kids,” says Kiplinger’s Personal Finance editor Janet Bodnar. “Wrap it up in a nice little package if you feel it looks too crass to give cash.” (AP Photo/Pat Wellenbach, File)
AP Photo/Pat Wellenbach, File
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Children with Christmas presents behind backs
Car and red ribbon
Businessman present gift box
businesswoman gift box
Cynthia Lower, employee of Chateau Ste. Michelle Vineyard in Woodinville, Wash., pours some wine for clients in the tasting room, Friday, Oct. 25, 2002. (AP Photo/Ralph Radford)
FILE - In this file photo taken Dec. 12, 2007, a variety of gift cards for use at various stores and restaurants are displayed at a convenience store in Brunswick, Maine. Caps on credit card penalty fees, and bans on gift card expiration dates. These are among the changes in the final round of new consumer card protections set to go into effect Aug. 22, 2010. (AP Photo/Pat Wellenbach, File)

WASHINGTON — Holiday gift giving can present plenty of opportunities to feel awkward, but you can navigate the season safely by following appropriate etiquette.

Kiplinger’s Personal Finance offers advice for some common situations. Janet Bodnar, editor of the publication, shared a few gifting manners with WTOP.

Kristi King

Kristi King is a veteran reporter who has been working in the WTOP newsroom since 1990. She covers everything from breaking news to consumer concerns and the latest medical developments.

kking@wtop.com

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