The art of gift-giving is one of civilization’s oldest and most universal rituals practiced by many nations. From early tribal exchanges to modern acts of corporate diplomacy, the practice of gift-giving has long served as a social exchange that projects respect, gratitude, and affiliation between parties. It functions not merely as an exchange of gifts but as a symbolic language of emotion, status, and connection.

In international relations and business, gift-giving is very strategic and has been well documented. Choosing a carefully selected gift can often achieve what formal negotiations alone may not; it can also reduce tension, communicate goodwill, and lay the groundwork for cooperation. For example, in October 2025, South Korea gifted Donald Trump a replica of a gold crown excavated from an ancient royal tomb in Gyeongju, and........

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