Russia Gift Giving Customs

Flag of Russia Officially the Russian Federation Official Language:Russian Currency: Ruble (RUB) National Holiday: Russia Day - June 12th More Russian Holidays

[edit] Personal Gift Giving Etiquette

Gift giving in Russia typically takes place between family and close friends for birthdays, New Year, and Orthodox Christmas.

Gifts are appreciated in Russia, but Russians often protest when they are initially offered a gift. Reply that it is a little something and offer the gift again and it will generally be accepted.

Bring an assortment of gifts so you will always have something appropriate to give.

In general, gifts for children are opened in private, while gifts for adults are not opened right away, and are typically opened in the presence of others. Don't expect thank-you notes, if your gift is well-received, you will hear many 'thank-yous.

Russians spend a lot of money on gifts. Avoid giving gifts trinkets as pencils, pens, lighters (unless they are expensive ones), or cheap wine.

When invited to a Russian home, bring a small gift like chocolates, desserts, good wine, or other alcohol. Make it special by selecting an item that is rare to the area.

Gifts are expected for events such as dinner parties or overnight stays in someone's home as a way of saying “thank-you”. Thank-you notes and holiday cards are not considered inappropriate because they have no practical use.

If there are children in the family, it is considered thoughtful to acknowledge them with a small gift, such as a toy or candy.

It is considered bad luck to give a pregnant woman a gift for the baby until after the baby is born.

Avoid bringing a knife as a gift it is considered very bad luck, and implies cutting off of a relationship.

Do not give cash as a gift, as this is beginning to change, just to be safe do not to give cash.

Giving small business gifts is always appropriate, and is typically an expected part of Russian gift giving etiquette. Traditionally the value should reflect the recipients rank. A gift that displays the stature of your company and the importance of the business deal. A gift that is associated with the your company's local area, or a gift with the company logo.

In Russia, flowers are typically given to a woman. The only few exceptions would be male teachers, doctors and visiting celebrities.

Select an odd number of flowers because thirteen or even numbers usually are for funerals.

If you are visiting a family home, it is quite customary to bring along a bouquet of flowers for a wife, sister or mother.

Pink, cream-colored, orange, and blue flowers do not have a specific meaning and are considered acceptable selections.

Like other countries, flowers can be a romantic gift. Red flowers, especially in rich and dark shades, will be perceived as a display of love or strong affection.