Gift Giving Etiquette

I compare with Egypt culture, which Ola Atef Mahmud who is the native.
What should be considered in gift giving?

• The time/event for giving a gift

In Indonesia usually we are expected to give gifts to celebrate an occasion, when we are return from a trip, when we are invited to other people home, when a visitor comes to our workplace, and to thank someone for providing us with a service.
In Cairo is not much different from Indonesia. They usually give gift to celebrate an occasion like the birthday of the Prophet Mohammed (Mouled Al-Nabi), the beginning of Ramadan, the fast month, Eid Al Fitr even Coptic Christmas. And also when invited to other people home, usually for dinner.

• The gift itself

• In Indonesia gifts of food are always appreciated, but avoid bringing food to a dinner which may imply that the host cannot provide enough. Instead, send food and candy or fruit baskets as a thank-you gift afterwards are good choices. But in Egypt we must take a gift if we are invited to Egyptian’s home. Ideas would include good quality fruit, pastries, cookies or other sweets. And if we have been staying with a family in there, an appropriate thank you gift would be an expensive item representative of our country.
• When visiting an area where a delicacy is available, it's expected that we bring samples back for our friends in Indonesia.
• In Egypt, when a man gives a woman the gift, it must be presented as from his mother, wife or sister. Otherwise, the gift may be perceived as too personal as well as Indonesian.
• In Indonesia giving flowers as a gift is acceptable, but in Egypt giving flowers are not allowed because in their culture these are usually reserved for weddings, funeral and for  the sick.
• Both Indonesia and Egypt dominance with Muslim people, so don’t give alcohol unless you are certain that the recipient drinks. Devout Muslims don't drink alcohol. Also perfumes containing alcohol, pork, pigskin products, personal items such as underwear, knives, toy dogs or gifts that picture dogs, images of nude or partially clad women [even in paintings or sculptures with artistic merit] because e these are forbidden for reasons and these are against social custom.
• People in Egypt never give the Qur’an as a gift, because it is not appropriate for personal or business gift giving due to its significance. For some society in Indonesia believe that we give Qur’an to other gender it means that they want to marry the recipient.
• In Egypt there is common to give a compass that an appropriate gift, because it allows them to be directed to Mecca when do their daily prayers no matter where they are in the world.

• The manner in giving the gift

• Both Indonesia and Egypt always give gifts with the right hand. Both hands may be acceptable if the gift is heavy. Because the left hand is the wiping hand, so it impolite.
• Both Indonesia and Egypt, the gifts should be opened later after the giver leave unless the gift is to be enjoyed right away, such as dessert for dinner. In this case, the gift may be opened in front of the giver.
• Because the culture of Indonesia, people will customarily refuse a gift three times before accepting, since they believe that following this ritual prevents them from appearing greedy. But in Egypt they would offended if the recipient refuse their gift.
• In Egypt do not admire something in their home too directly, because Egyptians may feel the obligation to give it to you. In return, you would be expected to reciprocate with a gift of similar value.