How you actually present a gift to someone is dependent on how much showmanship
you've got, or how low key you want to be. If it's a big celebration such as
a special birthday then there'll be a party at which you'd be expected to give
the presents. They're often put on a table and opened as part of the celebrations
- at weddings often gifts are not unwrapped at the wedding party and may not
be opened until afte the honeymoon. Bear this in mind if you're putting in a
gift that requires immediate attention.
If you want to be low key about giving a gift, especially if you suspect they
won't have bought you anything and you don't want to embarrass them, then there
are several options.
Calling at their home and having an urgent need to leave - or leaving the gift
with a close relative or with their neighbour. Avoid fancy wrappings when you’re
being low key.
If it’s a child’s birthday gift then wrapping it brightly with
lots of ribbons is the thing to do, even adding a helium balloon to the top
is an option that can make a birthday present look fantastic.
Learn the art of curling ribbon. You do this by pulling thin ribbon across the
blade of a pair of scissors holding it lightly down with your thumb. Once you
get the hang of this you’ll be able to make long curls of delightful ribbon
that enhances any gift-wrap.
Use matching or contrasting ribbons, or even more than one colour. You can attach
ribbon bows if you want and these can be bought ready-made. A well wrapped pretty
present can be made more fun by using more than one layer of paper and putting
surprises in - just like a pass the parcel package.
If you’re not sure whether to take the gift to the party or to the person’s
home beforehand then ask. If the party is away from their home they might prefer
to have the gifts at home, especially if it’s going to be a late night.
Sometimes you’ll want to give gifts privately. This is the case when you’re
giving special gifts for partners who might be getting presents they’d
not want their mum to see.
How to give the gift – other essentials to remember. If you’re
buying something which might need exchanging – clothes that might be the
wrong size then put the receipt in an envelope inside the box – seal it
and then they only need to open it and see how much you’ve spent when
they’re taking it back. Some shops are really flexible at returning goods
so if you’re not sure on a size try to ask in the store about their gift
returns policy.
Some shops offer longer time for no quibble gift returns if they know it’s
for a present or for Christmas. You can always ask them to confirm this on the
receipt or ask to see store policy – some have it signed clearly in the
store.