Gift Giving Etiquette
Estonians do not attach that much importance to giving gifts. Gifts are given occasionally, but not at the first meeting or on a routine basis. When people do receive gifts, they’re generally unwrapped immediately, except in the case of children, who often open their presents in private. When an Estonian is invited to a meal, he or she always brings a small gift for the host or hostess. Flowers, fine chocolates, sweets, and wine are all popular and well-received gifts. When presenting flowers, etiquette dictates that the guest present them in odd numbers. The following day, a thank-you call or note to the hostess is customary.
Although Estonians' birthday traditions vary, most people give gifts to friends and family members on their birthdays. One common birthday tradition for children is for parents to stack unwrapped gifts on a table the night before the big day. The birthday cake is frequently placed on the table as well. When the child wakes up, he or she instinctively runs to the living room or wherever the table is set up to see what he or she has received. However, the child is usually not allowed to touch the enticing toys and other treats until his or her parents are present. Women frequently receive flowers or other gifts on their birthdays that the donor knows they will enjoy.
Flowers are commonly given for almost any occasion in Estonia. For example, at the end of the school year, students frequently give each other lilies of the valley as a congratulations for how hard they worked during the term and to wish them luck on the upcoming summer exams. Flowers are not only given to women, but bouquets are also given to men in Estonia. While flowers can convey romantic feelings in some cases, this is not always the case when a man gives flowers to a woman in Estonia, as it is in many other countries. Flower vendors can be found everywhere and are open all year, especially in Tallinn, the country's capital. After being purchased, bouquets are often wrapped in an opaque material.
