7 objects that are not good gifts in some countries

1. Shoes and hats

In China, many gifts can be misunderstood. Hats are not a good choice, especially greens: “wearing a green hat” is a pun for cheating. Shoes, in some regions, are called with sounds similar to "evil."

2. Color

In Hong Kong, the blue and white colors are related to mourning and are not very good at gifts. In Japan, the problem is with red, for the same reason.

3. Bouquets

Giving flowers is often a form of gallantry, but it can be disliked in some countries: in Austria, a bouquet cannot have 12 flowers; in Italy the prohibited quantity is 17; while in Japan it may be offensive to give 4 or 9 flowers. In several countries, bouquets with 13 roses also make the eyes roll, as 13 is the unlucky number.

4. Toys

In Malaysia, with over 60% of the population practicing Islam, gifts like little pigs or toy puppies are offensive, as religion treats them like unclean animals.

5. Flowers

In Egypt, flowers are usually given only at weddings or illnesses. Outside of these occasions, the ideal is to gift with anything else.

6. Party Favors

Cat shaped souvenirs are not very well liked in Sicily. A superstition links animals to disease, so it would be a way for you to be wishing the person evil.

7. Perfumes

In some Asian countries, gifting with perfumes can also be bad: as the fragrance evaporates, this could be a sign that their relationship will also weaken.

For more offensive things:

• 10 attitudes that can be misinterpreted in other countries
• 10 Common Behaviors That May Be Offensive in Other Countries
• 8 seemingly harmless gestures that can get you in trouble abroad