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 Japan gifted Donald Trump a golf putter from the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a gold-leaf golf ball, and a bag signed by Japanese star Hideki Matsuyama, who won the U.S. Masters in 2021. These presents were thoughtfully designed to honor shared interests and offer mutual respect.

Another appropriate gift was when President George W. Bush presented cowboy boots to Japanese Prime........

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