How do you handle gift giving for the people you encounter daily?
Are you searching for proper etiquette for gift giving to the service people that you encounter --- your hair stylist, the postman, or newspaper delivery person? How about your kid's teacher, coach or carpool parent?
The answer to whether you should give a gift to these people is yes (assuming that their service was good during the year!).
So, what should you give? Obviously, that depends on your budget, but the bottom line is that you don't need to spend a lot of money. However, you should make some effort to get a gift that is appropriate for the specific person. If a person is really into coffee, that an attractive mug and some exotic coffee beans would be perfect. If a person loves to garden, than a nice set of gardening gloves would be appreciated.
Gift cards can also be acceptable, although they can look like a cop-out. To make the most out of a gift card present, select one that is appropriate for the given person. A no-fail option is a gift card to a nice restaurant, because in effect, you are giving the recipient the gift of an evening out. In addtion, take the time to wrap the gift card in a little gift bag with all the trimmings -- don't just hand over the Blockbuster folder with the card stuck inside!
Have fun with your gift giving --- remember that you should give any gift in the same manner that you should receive one......graciously!
