Giving gifts
Giving gifts and presents 送禮 (sòng lǐ) are important in Taiwanese culture. If you want to make a good first impression to the parents of your Taiwanese partner for example, give them a present when you first visit them as a token of appreciation. When you hand them over, always do so with both hands and a slight bow or a nod, it's considered polite. Presents will usually not be opened in front of you (unlike in my country), so don't be offended, it's part of the proper etiquette. One interesting thing about Taiwanese is the culture of not wanting to owe anything. It's most likely that when you give a gift Taiwanese will try hard to give you something back. Because Taiwanese strive for harmony and balance in relationship with others, there shall be no debts of any kind, they can damage the relationships. In practice this means if you receive gifts, or kind treatment, it's expected for you to return it. If you're just a traveler, it will more likely be a sign of hospitality 好客 (hàokè), so a return is not expected, but if you're living here and know that you will meet that person again, I would suggest you to show appreciation and give a gift in return. Many Taiwanese gift giving traditions are centuries old, and very standardized. For example during Lunar New Year you are supposed to give red envelopes with money called 紅包 (hóng bāo) to the parents (avoid giving odd numbers, or numbers with the digit 4, it means bad luck). Red envelopes are also given when you visit someone's newborn baby for the first time, and you will get a cake or sesame oil chicken in return. When you attend someone's wedding, red envelopes are given for the couple's good luck, but in return they shall give you a box of cookies. If you're visiting a friend or relative, gifts like cakes, or wine are appreciated, and the host will usually share them with you. As a foreigner you can bring something unique from your native country, it can be food, a souvenir, or something practical, and it will most likely be received with appreciation. There are gifts you should avoid in order to not offend the receiving person, because they might be associated with bad fortune. Here some better known examples: