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In Russian tradition, alcohol is the best gift in any situation. For small friendly services, they “put beer”, more serious help already requires a “bottle”, going to visit – they grab wine, well, good whiskey or cognac will always be in place. Alcohol is presented as a gift even to non-drinkers, because it’s not a shame to serve expensive alcohol to guests, and if something happens, you can re-gift it. In Europe, alcohol traditions do not differ much from ours: it is customary to bring a bottle of good wine to a housewarming party or a friendly party; a boss, colleague, and even a subordinate can receive alcohol as a gift.
Most importantly, the gift must either correspond to the taste of the person being presented, or be expensive (then the recipient will be able to re-gift it or put it on the table during the gala dinner).
General tips:
- At least a little originality. It is very important that the recipient does not get the impression that he was “gifted away” with an expensive, but standard gift. Therefore, the giver should take care of the packaging or at least explain why he chose this particular drink and brand of alcohol.
- An alcoholic gift is a great opportunity to introduce a loved one to a new drink that he would never buy himself.
- It is better to give a bottle of alcohol in person. Delivery by courier is practiced only in extreme cases.
- In no case should you insist that the recipient immediately taste the present (and even more so – share it with the donor). Perhaps a person wants to drink the resulting alcohol alone or in another company, or even completely re-gift it.
- Of course, alcohol should not be given to minors, even “as a joke.”
Alcohol as a gift to a man
We are talking about a man standing higher on the social ladder – for peers and friends, the rules are more democratic.
Drink. Single malt whiskey or other long-aged strong alcohol (cognac, armagnac, calvados).
Price. High.
How to give. Depending on the situation, but in any case without too much pathos.
Women’s gift with alcohol
Drink. Champagne, wine, sweet liquor, martini, Baileys. If the tastes of the hero of the occasion are precisely known – any strong alcohol that she likes, even vodka. You can present a gift certificate to a wine boutique.
Price. Average. What is important is not the actual cost, but the thoughtfulness of the presentation and the attractiveness of the container (packaging).
How to give. Like any other gift, according to the situation.
Gift liquor for holidays and events
For bosses
Drink. Fortified wine (Madeira, port), cognac, armagnac, whiskey, scotch, bourbon. It is considered good form to give an alcoholic drink that can stand in an open bottle for a long time. It is better for a male boss to present strong alcohol – the boss will be able to offer it to partners and important clients, skip a glass in the evening, remembering the donor with a kind word.
Price. Alcohol for the bosses should be expensive and elite, no options.
How to give. Alone, best of all – in the boss’s office (unless it’s a gift from the whole team).
For birthday
Drink. What the birthday boy loves. If the hero of the occasion is not indifferent to beer, it is advisable to find an original or rare variety for him. The same goes for wine or any other alcohol.
Price. Middle price segment.
How to give. With a greeting card and complete with a set of glasses. For a birthday, it is not customary to give only a bottle “without anything”, at least a symbolic gift should be attached to it.
For an anniversary or anniversary
Drink. Vintage sparkling (preferred) or still (in extreme cases) wine.
Price. High. Alcohol for an anniversary should be expensive, better – very expensive and generally exclusive. A special chic is to find the wine of the vintage of the year when the celebrated event took place (birthday, wedding, etc.).
How to give. In a luxurious basket with flowers, sweets, fruits. In a solemn atmosphere and with a full crowd of people.
for housewarming
Drink. Sparkling wine – not necessarily champagne, prosecco, cava or cremant are fine. Still wine – for example, Italian or Chilean. You can also present a package of craft beer to the owners of the house, or complement the gift with original glasses or a set of glasses.
Price. Not particularly important (especially if a late guest presents a gift when the party is already in full swing), but the gift should look good, so all other things being equal, it is better to give preference to wine in an unusual bottle, additionally tying a bow on it. Most likely, the gift will be immediately opened and offered to drink all together, so here you should focus on your taste too.
How to give. Immediately, just crossed the threshold, with guests.
In honor of the start of the holiday
This is more of a European tradition, in Russia it is not yet customary to solemnly see off a colleague on vacation, presenting him with a bottle of wine.
Drink. Seasonal beer, good but affordable table wine.
Price. Medium, closer to low. It is rather a symbolic gift to mark the beginning of the holiday.
How to give. It doesn’t matter: in a bag, in a basket, “without anything.” It is customary to give seasonal beer in packs of 4-8 pieces. You can immediately add a light snack to it: cheeses, herbs, seasonal fruits and vegetables.
