Why would you voluntarily blindfold yourself, spin around until you are dizzy and swing at something with a stick? For presents, of course!

 

With roots in China and Italy, and religious practices of the Aztec, the Spanish conquistadors actually gifted Mexico something that identifies their country today and continues to give gifts; the piñata.

 

Although previously made of clay, present-day piñatas are mostly constructed with cardboard and paper mache, then decorated with crepe paper. The most popular design is a star and piñatas are a staple at Posada celebrations (see below) and birthday parties.

 

The piñata is a gift giver in itself, spilling out contents of candies and fruit after it's broken by party goers. However, some trick piñatas will spill out water, flour or confetti so watch out!

 

Of course, Mexicans like to keep gift giving fair so a baskets of treats, called colaciones, is put aside for anyone who doesn't receive a gift when the piñata is broken.

 

We talked with Allan Kent, formerly of Mexico, about some gift giving customs and although they closely follow those of the English and US (the country is 82.7% Catholic), there are some fun surprises including a very long Christmas celebration.

 

How to Present a Gift: The wrapping and presentation of a gift in Mexico is similar to America. According to Kent, “nicely wrapped, with a bow and a small card next to it, nice details overall.'

 

Taboo Gifts: The most taboo gift is getting the wrong color of flowers. According to Giftypedia, red can give off a bad connotation because it's believed to cast spells, yellow flowers and marigolds symbolize death, and purple isn't the best because it symbolized funerals. Another “bad” gift if you're coming from another country is silver because Mexicans pride themselves on their silver product and shops.

 

Good Gifts: International gifts, clothes or items that belong to an international brand. iPad, iPhone, leather goods, accessories… Items that you won't find in Mexico “If giving a gift of flowers, white flowers are a good gift, as they are considered uplifting.”

 

Business Gift Giving Standards: Business gift giving in Mexico is not usually required, but it is appreciated and viewed as a gesture of goodwill.

 

Gift to the World: Mexican food.

 

Gift Giving Occasions and what to give:

 

*Hostess gifts: Kent shared that flowers, a bottle of wine, good chocolates or cookies are always welcomed hostess gifts. As in the US, hostess gifts are not expected but can set the tone for the day.

 

* Housewarming: Similar to most countries, these don't have to be given but can be. A bottle of wine or a home decor item are welcomed.

 

*Birthday: In Mexico, birthday are celebrated at every age and these parties usually involve a piñata (especially for children). And according to Kent, modern-day Mexicans will appreciate gifts of clothes, jewelry, leather goods, chocolates and flowers, and a nice big dinner. Electronic gadgets and clothes are especially great for Americans to gift because they are much more expensive to buy in Mexico.

 

*Anniversary: Typical to US customs, anniversaries are celebrated with gifts like jewelry, according to Kent.

 

*Dia De Los Muertos: This holiday is reserved for honoring the dead and welcoming them into a home, which coincides with gifts. Sugar skulls, food and beverages (mostly tequila and mezcal), marigolds and small trinkets will be placed on decorated altars as offerings (gifts) to the dead. Read more about Dia De Los Muertos here.

 

*Valentine's Day: Aka Dia de San Valentin or El Dia del Amor y la Amistad. While Meixcans celebrate lovers on this day, it's also a day to celebrate friendships. Flowers (especially red roses), candies and balloons are often gifted.

 

*Baptism: Gifts given at a Baptism will usually have some sort of religious connection like a Catholic saying/bible verse written on a plaque, a handwritten note for when the child is older or a Spanish Bible. It should be noted that Mexicans take this event in a child's life very seriously and a gift is expected. Godparents will especially be expected to put a lot of thought and time into a gift.

 

* Quinceanera: La Quinceanera marks a girl's 15th birthday, also known as her transition from childhood to womanhood. It is celebrated with mass followed by a lavish party that is similar to a debutantes coming out or even a wedding in America. According to Kent, typical gifts for the birthday girl are Jewelry, flowers, clothes, leather goods, accessories. The girl of honor will also pass out commemorative favore (called bolos) to all of her guests.

 

*Christmas: In Mexico, “Christmas celebrations” start on Dec. 16 and do not end until Jan. 6. Because of large Catholic influence, they follow the story of Jesus' birth in the Bible, and include many festivities and gifts along the way. In addition to the below, they attend mass and have a family celebration on Dec. 25.

 

*Posada: In Mexico, Mary and Joseph's trip that ended in Bethlehem is glorified with Posada. According to gomexico.com, the 9-day-long celebration starts on Dec. 16. Every night, people walk the streets in groups with either a cut out of Mary and Joseph or two people dressed as Mary and Joseph. They knock on doors, resembling Mary and Joseph's trek to find a place to stay. Then, designated houses let everyone in for a party that night which will most likely include Bible readings, food and a piñata that send guests home with tiny treasures.

 

Dia de Reyes (in English “King's Day”): is celebrated as the Epiphany on Jan. 6. This is the day that the three wise men arrived at the manger and gave gifts to Jesus. Traditionally children are given gifts on this day instead of Christmas, but modern-day Mexicans now give them on both occasions. The night before Dia de Reyes, children will line their shoes up on the window sill for them to be filled with gifts, much like stockings across the fireplace in the US.

 

On Dia de Reyes families and friends also give each other the gift of sharing Rosca de Reyes, a sweet bread with a mini baby Jesus figure inside. Whoever find the figurine must host another party on Feb. 2, Candlemas Day.

 

As for gifts, clothing, electronics, bikes, toys and more are all popular.