When Should I Send Gifts to the Netherlands?
Getting and opening a gift from someone is always a wonderful feeling, no matter the time of year. In the Netherlands, gift-giving is just as well received as anywhere else in the world, with a few caveats to keep in mind. A special occasion doesn’t need to happen in order to give a gift. However, just in case, below is a list divided into four convenient sections: Public, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim.
Public Holidays in the Netherlands
- New Year’s Day — January 1
- King’s Birthday — April 27
- The Day of Valor — April 9
- National Remembrance Day — May 4
- Liberation Day — May 5
- Mother’s Day
- Father’s Day
Christian Holidays in the Netherlands
- Good Friday
- Easter Day
- Easter Monday
- Ascension Day
- Pentecost Sunday
- All Saints Day
- Christmas Day — December 25
- St.Stephen’s Day — December 26
Jewish Holidays in the Netherlands
- Purim
- Passover
- Yom HaShoah
- Yom Ha’atzmaut
- Shavuot
- Yom Yerushalayim
- Hanukkah
- Rosh Hashanah
Muslim Holidays in the Netherlands
- Ramadan
- Eid al-Fitr
- Eid al-Adha
Unique Holiday Traditions in the Netherlands
Birthdays are a fun time for everyone no matter what country you find yourself in. In the Netherlands, it is customary for the birthday girl or boy to pay and host their own party. Drinks and food are provided and are expected to be served to their guests, and not the other way around. It’s not just the host who gets congratulated! Everyone from the birthday hosts’ parents to even a second cousin will be congratulated on their behalf.
You can expect to see an overabundance of food at the party as well as numerous birthday gifts. Since the host takes care of the party, guests will always show up with gifts galore to show their appreciation. If you can’t attend the party for the birthday guy or gal, make sure you send a gift that lets them know just how much you care and are sending them well wishes for the upcoming year.
Everything You Need to Know About Sending Corporate Gifts to the Netherlands
From birthday gifts to business gifts, things are done differently in the Netherlands as opposed to other countries. Here, gifts are not expected to be given or received, but if you feel inclined to do so, a gift will be well-received. Typically, if you do decide to send a corporate gift to the Netherlands, you would want to send it after a deal or agreement has been finalized. Be sure to keep it good quality but modest and not have your company logo or cards plastered all over it.
If you are on the receiving end, open it immediately so you can show your appreciation for the gift as soon as possible. If invited over to a colleague's home, be punctual and do not show up empty-handed. Flowers, chocolates, wine, or even a houseplant are excellent and safe gifts if you are unsure. Send a thank you note (bonus points if handwritten) the next day to thank them and show your appreciation.
The Best Romantic Gifts to Send to the Netherlands
Sending a gift to your love in the Netherlands can be stressful indeed. At Gift Baskets Overseas, our romantic gifts section is kept up to date with some of the most popular gifts to spoil that special someone. When in doubt, flowers are a great gift to let your partner know you’re thinking of them. Chocolate, paired with their favorite wine or beer, is an ideal way to celebrate your anniversary. And if you’re looking for a way to make amends after a disagreement, a spa gift is the perfect way to help your love relax and think of fonder memories.
Unique Christmas Traditions in the Netherlands
No matter where in the world you are, Christmas is an exciting event that brings together family and friends to celebrate. Turn on the radio and you’ll hear traditional Dutch songs such as Goed Heilig Man (Good Holy Man), Sinterklaas (Saint Nicholas), and Hoor Wie Stapt Daar Kinderen (Someone is Coming, Children). As early as December 5th, Sinterklaas takes place, and St. Nicolas dons a dark red robe with his assistant Zwarte Piet. Their job is to give the children gifts and treats, similar to what Santa Claus is known for.
After this night, kerstbomen (Dutch Christmas trees) are placed everywhere, from public spaces to living rooms. After these trees are decorated with lights and ornaments, you can expect to see the entire town or city you’re in adorned the same way. Now, some of us may agree that Christmas is too short and one day isn’t enough. In the Netherlands, there is a solution to this personal problem: Dutch Christmas. This is where people spend both the 25th and 26th celebrating Christmas to really make sure they relax and indulge in food and quality family time.
Beloved Holiday Foods in the Netherlands
Of course, Christmas can’t be complete without an amazing feast of food to go with it! To all the children’s delight, and of course some adults too, there are sweets a plenty on the table. You’ve got the classic Speculaas, a crisp ginger cookie, and it’s cousin, Gevulde Specullaas; a denser version with an almond filling.
If cookies aren’t your style, go for the oliebollen, which literally translates to “oil balls.” An old-fashioned dutch doughnut that can be accompanied with Gluhwein. A warm beverage made from red wine being boiled with nutmeg, cinnamon, and anise. Served with an orange slice, this delicious drink will have you coming back for seconds. For those wondering, amongst all these sweet treats there is a savory one called stamppot. A simple staple dish consisting of mashed potatoes mixed with boiled vegetables such as peas, carrots, or kale, topped with meat and gravy. A hearty dish that isn’t just for Christmas, but all year round.
How to Write the Address for Delivery to the Netherlands
Writing a delivery address for your recipient in the Netherlands is fairly straightforward. You’ll want to make sure you have all of the parts below:
- Recipient’s name
- Company Name (if delivering to a business)
- Street name and house number
- Postal code and the town or city
- Country
So an example address would look something like this:
Mary Smith
Fun Street 123
1019 Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Other Gift-Giving Etiquette you should know:
- Unless you have a deeply personal relationship with your recipient, try to keep your gifts on the smaller and modest end. You don’t want to make your recipient feel uncomfortable with too much generosity.
- A bouquet of flowers or potted plants makes for great gifts for any occasion or holiday.
- Wine collecting is very popular in the Netherlands, so if you’re sending wine, make 100% sure it is appropriate for your recipient.
- Chocolates and candies are two great gifts for children and adults.
- Popular gifts include imported liquor, quality stationery sets, and electronics.
- Gifts to avoid include white flowers, as they symbolize funerals and grief. Avoid sharp items as well, as they tend to symbolize severing relationships.
