Giving and receiving
What can you say to give and receive presents in English? English families generally open presents together and these are some common phrases.
When you are giving a present to someone you know well, you can say…
This is for you.
I thought you might like this for Christmas…
It's only something small, but I hope you like it.
I thought this might go well with your (new dress / Prada bag..)
Receiving
Thank you so much! It's lovely / fantastic / wonderful.
It's something I've always wanted!
Wow! What a thoughtful present!
If you don't like something
Thank you so much!
How kind of you!
It's lovely, thank you!
What to write on present tags
To (name) with love from (name)
WIshing you a happy birthday, love (name)
With our love to you, (names of givers)
On a present to a non-family member
With best wishes for a happy Christmas, (name)
13 comments on “Giving and receiving presents in English”
thx.it's lovely:)
it's very good, thanks :)
when you say : to non-family member ?
does that mean tha this person is so close to the givers ?
thanks
I mean that the person is not a family member.
Happy New Year, Clare. Thank you for usefull site.
very cool its so cute i love it
Is there any difference between "present" and "gift"? If not, why don't you say " giving and receiving gift" !?!? or just habit?
Is it OK as I say "habit" here? Thank a lot
I don't think there's any difference. Maybe "gift" is more American English? In any case, I only ever use "present". It's probably just a habit (as you say!)
Hi Clare….
Very Very thanks to give such a nice wording… I want to know some more words for diffrent wishings…
what "thoughtful present" mean here?
was the receiver expected the gift in before?
or
the reciever appreciating for choosing a nice gift?
thank u in advance
It means that the person giving the present thought hard about what would be suitable.
I have to ask one question to you. what to say if you want to refuse the gift strongly.
It would be rude to refuse a gift. If you really had to, you could say something like "Oh, no, I really can't accept this."
