Filipinos adore the custom of gifting. With a range of social practices and rich culture, the gifting ritual also varies widely across the country. Giving gifts is a social status as well as an obligation in the Philippines. Thus, Filipinos follow a certain set of traditions when it comes to gifting friends and family on different occasions.
Before you choose any gift for a Filipino, keep in mind these important customs and gift-giving traditions that the realm has been practising since ages.
- When it comes to unwrapping gifts, Filipinos take it as a personal affair and open the gifts only in private. The same is expected in return.
- Wedding Gifts in the Philippines often include some useful things that can be utilised for starting a new house. But alternatively, you can add to the money dance as a wedding gift. Traditional Filipino weddings witness a money dance where guests stick/pin currency on the clothes of the bride and groom during their first dance.
- Gifting is one of the most influential forms of business relationship management techniques in the Philippines. Send flowers along with cake or chocolates to your potential business partner after the meeting. It greatly affects the business ties for the Filipinos.
- Send a gift to the house of the host or hostess before arriving. This is considered as a good gesture. Especially if you are visiting someone’s place in the Philippines, take flowers, chocolates or candies as a token of love. Get flowers and chocolate delivery in the Philippines through online gifting websites.
- During Baptism, the parents invite at least 10 pairs (minimum) of godfathers and godmothers. The guests give small money gifts, also known as ‘Pakimkim’.
- Christmas in the Philippines comes with strong social obligations of gifting one and all differently.
- Express gratitude by sending a thank you note or thank you gift for inviting over. It is considered respectful in a traditional Filipino household and is appreciated by the host/hostess.
So, send gifts to the Philippines by keeping in mind these traditional values and folkways.
