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Germany is a conservative country, in their tastes for gifts, as well as food and more. If you are traveling to Germany or giving a gift to a German native, there are some things you might want to know before choosing the gift. While they are conservative in tastes, quality gifts of the right type are appreciated.
![Gift Giving Etiquette in Germany | Germany Gift Giving Tips | Guide For Gift Giving In Russia | Helpful Gift Giving Guide | #gifts #giftguide #germany #presents #etiquette #uniquegifter](https://uniquegifter.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Gift-Giving-Etiquette-in-Germany-275x550.jpg)
Read more in our gift giving etiquette series:
Germany Gift Giving Customs
- When invited into their home, it’s custom to give the woman flowers and the man a bottle of wine. You can also have the flowers wrapped as a gift at the shop for a nice touch.
- It’s customary for the receiver to open the gift when it is received.
- Christmas gifts are opened by children on Christmas Eve, once any religious celebrations and customs are done.
Giving Gifts to Germans
- If you are staying in a family’s home, you can choose books about your country for their coffee table or other things from your country that they might find interesting.
- Sometimes a good quality silk scarf is a good gift for the woman of the house.
- Make sure to send a thank you card to the host or hostess for inviting you into their home.
![A Riese & Müller Multicharger HS longtail cargo bike loaded with Ortlieb pannier bags and christmas presents and parked up in a scenic wintery landscape during sunrise.](https://uniquegifter.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/German-gifts-1050x700.jpg)
Business Gift Giving Customs & Etiquette in Germany
- Small gifts are polite, especially when first meeting someone. They aren’t always expected, but they will be appreciated.
- If you get a substantial gift, avoid giving it in private. Any substantial gifts should be given in an official and public setting. They may be misconstrued.
- Good quality pens and quality office items with your company’s logo on them are good choices as gifts.
Gift Giving Occasions in Germany
- Weddings
- Birthdays
- Housewarming
- Easter
- May Day
- Mother’s Day
- Father’s Day
- Weinfests in July/August
- Schultute (the first day of school)
- Oktoberfest
- Thanksgiving
- St. Nicholas Day – December 6th
- Christmas
- New Year’s Eve
Gift Giving Tips in Germany
- Shops tend to close early on Saturdays and Sunday shopping is rare. Therefore, you may want to plan your gift shopping ahead of time.
- Credit cards are rarely accepted at restaurants, so if you are paying for a restaurant meal, you need to ask the waiter.
- Yellow roses and tea roses are good choices for gifts.
- Make sure you are giving wine imported from France or Italy, as German wine is considered cheap and distasteful as a gift.
Gift Giving Don’ts
- Don’t give substantial gifts in private.
- Avoid red roses as they are seen as romantic gifts.
- Carnations should be avoided as well, as they are for mourning.
- Pointed objects of any kind, not just knives, are seen as bad luck for wedding gifts. Money is also a bad gift for a wedding, unless you are a family member.
- Avoid things that are obviously pricey, as this may make the receiver feel like they owe you something in return.