1. What are the norms for giving and receiving gifts?
The Art of Gift Giving
What are the norms for giving and receiving gifts?

2. The Three Obligations To give To receive To reciprocate

3. Although there are many reasons for gift giving, these are the main ones
Social Ties
Cultural norms
Morality
Rank within the group
Obligation
Why do we give gifts?

4. Other Cultures The Spirit of the Thing Potlach Taongon “talosmen”
Spiritual Force (The Hau)
Potlach
Mostly dealt with tribes and clans
Cultural exchange of everything (who has more?)
Status can gained or lost
4 different types of exchanging
Other Cultures

5. Gifts are given on major holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and big events
The gift is normally opened when received
When going to a dinner party, it is customary to bring food or some sort of drink and maybe even flowers
Gifts range from a card to more elaborate depending on the person receiving
In America…