Although gifts play an important role in business around the world, you run the risk of offending a colleague （得罪同事） if you present an inappropriate （不恰当的） gift. In many cases, a poor gift choice is worse than not offering a gift at all.
Europe: Red roses symbolize（象征） a romantic relationship in many parts of Europe. An arrangement containing 13 flowers is considered bad luck in Germany and Switzerland. In addition, the preference is for flower arrangements to have an even number（双数）of flowers.
China: Sharp objects symbolize the cutting off of the relationship. Clocks are not appropriate because the Mandarin phrase to give a clock sounds the same as to attend a dying parent. Handkerchiefs imply（暗示） sadness. Never give an odd number of an item; odd numbers symbolize separation（分离）, loneliness, and death. Do not bring food when you’re invited to a meal because that implies your host cannot provide enough food.
The Middle East: Consuming alcohol is prohibited（禁止） in the Islamic faith, so don’t present wine or liquor to your host.
