第十七讲

   Content
   Customs About Gift-giving and Receiving
   Warm-up questions
   1. When do Chinese usually give gifts to others?
   2. What do you know about the American people’s habits of gift-giving?
   Customs about Gifts and Gift-giving and Receiving
   If you receive a birth announcement from your friend or co-workers, this doesn’t mean that you have to send a gift. It is not compulsory. If you wish to, you may give one. The best gift for babies is baby blankets, clothes or toys.
   For a “Bon Voyage”(送别) gift, it is better to send your present in advance and not at the last minute. For most foreigners, flowers and things like magazines, cosmetics and drinks are preferable. Fruit is not a good idea. Nowadays, many people have quit smoking, so perhaps it’s better not to send cigarettes.
   For a close friend you may give something lasting and of high quality, such as a set of books or a wallet (with a dollar bill in it). If it is for a high school graduate, a dictionary or a pen set will do.
   If you are a frequent weekend guest of a certain family, you may give some small gifts to their children. Things like jigsaw puzzles, a game, a book, candy and chocolate are proper for such occasions.
   Sample dialogue
      Sara：Good evening, Mick. I'm so glad you could come. 　　　
      Mick：Good evening, Sara.
      Sara：Please come in and take a seat. 　　　
      Mick：Happy birthday to you, Sara. This is for you.
      Sara：A gift for me? 　　　
      Mick：Sure. Congratulations on this happy day.
      Sara：Thank you. (Open the gift) Oh, it's lovely and very beautiful. 　　
      Mick：I'm glad you like it.