In North America, we swear it's the thought that counts when it comes to gift giving. But thought alone doesn't always cut it. "You need to think about what thought you are trying to communicate," says Thomas Connell, vice president of Interlink Consulting Services in Florida. Gift-giving customs vary enormously between cultures, and presenting someone with an inappropriate gift could have dire consequences. Finding a gift that would be appropriate anywhere in the world is no small task.

My experience is that cultural universals are hard to find. Coffee table books about your region make good presents throughout the world. Local delicacies also make nice gifts. - Thomas Connell, VP of Interlink Consulting Services

"If there is anything that could be considered the universal gift, it is most likely something from your hometown, region, country or company," says Joyce Millet, managing director of Cultural Savvy. "However, consideration must be given to cultural and religious issues," she adds.

And when it comes to gifts from your company, avoid cheap trinkets. "I would advise against any tacky company gift that has a logo on it," says Millet. "The person who receives your company pencil set is going to know it cost you nothing."

Alcohol

Find Out More Dangerous Objects Your mother probably already told you to be careful with knives. That wisdom extends into the realm of gift giving. In China, they signify severance of the relationship. Other gifts to watch out for in China are watches and clocks. For Cantonese speakers, the word for clock is very similar to the word for death. You should also never give anyone a handkerchief, which signifies grief, or a green hat, which suggests adultery. Millet advises international gift givers to avoid humorous presents; they do not usually translate well.

In some countries, a bottle of wine is a requisite date for a dinner party, but depending on the sort of party and the country, it could insult the host. If you attend a formal dinner in France, for example, wine would be an awkward gift. The host might feel obligated to serve the bottle with dinner, even if he has already chosen a wine well suited to the meal. Fine whiskey or brandy can be an appropriate gift for colleagues, but never give alcohol to observant Muslims; they do not drink any alcohol.

Flowers

We all know red roses signify love, but floral protocol does not end there. When giving flowers abroad, there are a few to watch out for. In Europe, "red carnations are bad unless you know your hosts are good Socialists," says Richard Gesteland, author of Cross-Cultural Business Behavior.

Also avoid varieties traditionally used to decorate graves: chrysanthemums, calla lilies, white asters and dahlias. And don't forget presentation. In Germany, always unwrap the bouquet before presenting it.

In some countries, particularly in Central America where flowers are inexpensive, they are not considered a good gift. If you choose to give flowers in Central America, white flowers are safest. Red flowers are associated with evil spirits, yellow ones with death and marigolds are used to decorate graves.

When Too Much Is More Than Enough

For intercultural gift giving, get your numbers straight. In Europe, an odd number of flowers is best -- though bouquets of six or 12 are also acceptable. When giving to a Cantonese speaker, never bestow a set of four, as the word for four sounds like the word for death and is associated with bad luck. Two, six and eight are good numbers for Chinese, but one is not. Also, be very careful not to give excessively if it could be perceived as bribery.

Wrap It Up

In an odd twist on the adage, "it's the thought that counts," some cultures adopt the more tangible, "it's the presentation that counts." Make sure your gift is meticulously wrapped. But presentation doesn't end there. Learn the protocol on how to hand over the gift too. In most countries, tossing a gift across the conference room table with the warning "Heads up!" won't go over well. In Japan, always present a gift with both hands. Similarly, if you receive a gift, accept it with both hands.

Give Now, Open Later?

Yet another aspect of gift giving protocol is timing. When conducting business in Europe, it is better not to give until after an agreement has been signed. In Japan and other Asian countries, gifts are given at the end of a meeting. While in Asia gifts are not usually opened in the presence of the giver, in Europe and North and South America, they probably will be.

People are the best resources for learning gift giving customs. If you live abroad, ask your friends and neighbours for advice. Ask the salespeople in shops; they would probably be happy to help. If you do not live abroad, talk to people who have lived in your destination country or consult a book about the local customs.