if you're a true Swiss native (lived there most of your life), it would be helpful to share any tips/advice about gift giving
(specifically, when a non-Swiss would like to buy something for a Swiss.)
what are some of the obvious (and subtle) differences from English speaking countries? things to avoid doing? good practices?
for example (although unrelated to gifting), in Germany/Switzerland is it not proper to wish someone "Happy Birthday" before the actual birthdate arrives. compared to anglo countries (US/Canada/UK/Aus/NZ), where many people say "Happy Birthday" many days (or weeks) before the actual date.
^ examples like these, but related to gift-giving / 'ways to say thank you' would be super helpful.
it can be of any relationship (friends, business partner(s), mistresses/sidechicks, government officials, etc) for any occasion (weddings, birthdays, funerals, pregnancies, etc), as to not limit the scope of this discussion. whatever comes to mind on the topic, post it below.
I don't have any gift-giving tips, but if you receive a gift its customary to kiss or shake hands with the giver, even if they walked through your door 5 minutes ago and you did it then😀
Its my birthday today and Swiss friends will send me their wishes today, not beforehand.
You mean on Swiss level or cantonal level?
It's a shame that anyone would be so persnickety that they care whether or not someone wishes them Happy Birthday on the actual day or if it's a day before or after, etc.
If I am talking to someone and find out that their birthday had been the day before or is going to be tomorrow, I would most likely still wish them a happy birthday right there and then, regardless.
But surely a chap who has lived or visited every canton in Switzerland should be advising us, rather than the other way around.
If i was unfortunate enough to visit you, i would bring a large packet of Hakle's finest toilet paper for your delicate backside and mouth.
Some are quite superstitious about before, as it's seen to be tempting fate.
Most customs of this sort are nonsensical at their core. In this case, the Germans consider it bad luck to wish somebody Happy Birthday before the day. Something along the lines that you might jinx it and they might not survive to see the day. In my experience, they will normally just explain it to the foreigner rather than feel offended.
Edit: NotAllThere got there first
When invited, a small gift is normal (mitbringseli), chocolates, a glass of wine, or cut flowers (these days you get an orchid for the price of a bunch)
Post corona it is quite OK to fist bump or shake hands rather than the obligatory two kisses on either cheek.
I was surprised that guests to the school were often given a small gift for their troubles, I am not sure how it is in industry.
I hear it's a Swiss custom to give your sidechicks** diamonds when they announce pregnancies. Unless you are Andrew Tate.
**cringe word of the day
Just don't spill it on the stairs on the way up.
three, actually
the glass of wine has already been commented upon
It can vary according to community and district.
In Stadt Zurich, Kreis 9 it‘s a peck on the cheek, while in Kreis 5, anything goes.
On your birthday always bring something for your co-workers-like a chocolate cake etc.
Hey, today I score etiquette points (carrot and strawberry cakes, in my case).
Wait a min...unless the government official is a longtime friend, there's no reason to gift anything. So, you're gifting a friend, not a "government official".
In my little consulting bubble, gifts are not a thing. Any customer would laugh at a physical gift. Lunch or dinner are more welcome but company limits expenses at ~200-250 CHF per person.
For friends? Food and drinks