Gain insight into a beautiful country as we help you discover the easiest and most convenient way to send gifts to Finland.
We can’t write a blog about sending gifts to various countries around the globe and not include the happiest country in the world: Finland (voted as such for the seventh time in the UN World Happiness Report, no less!). Maybe you have a Finnish recipient and need the nitty gritty details on how to send gifts to Finland or maybe you’d just like to know more about the country that hails one the inventors of the text message – whichever it is; broaden your global horizon and take a jog through one of the most peaceful countries in the world as we dissect the beauty that is the Finnish culture.
An Introduction to Finland
Finland, dubbed the “Land of a Thousand Lakes”, is known for its stunning natural landscapes with its vast forests and over 188, 000 lakes. In fact, it’s been said that you are never a 10-minute walk away from a forest or park in this beautiful country.
Also, as the birthplace of the sauna; it has been found that this country has more saunas than cars! If that doesn’t entice you on visiting Finland, then maybe the Northern lights may. The Northern Lights illuminate the skies in Finnish Lapland for nearly 200 nights a year; Locally known as revontulet, meaning “fox fires,” this amazing phenomenon is tied to an ancient myth where a magical fox sweeps its tail across the snow, sending sparks into the sky to create the aurora.
There are two official languages in Finland, Finnish and Swedish; and while Finnish is spoken by the majority, Swedish holds equal official status and is spoken by about 5% of the population. Swedish is most commonly used in the coastal areas and the Åland Islands, which is an autonomous region where Swedish is the only official language. The bilingualism of the country reflects Finland’s historical ties with Sweden.
Things that people in Finland Love
The sauna is a beloved tradition, with most Finns considering it a key part of their lifestyle. This practice is loved in Finland because it is deeply rooted in the country’s culture, offering both relaxation and health benefits. Finns see the sauna as a place to relax, cleanse the body, and refresh the mind. Traditionally, they were used for hygiene, but saunas have evolved into spaces for reflection, socializing and in some cases, spiritual connection.
Coffee is also a big part of daily life in this country, with Finns being some of the highest coffee consumers in the world. Per capita, the people of Finland drink around 26 pounds of coffee each year, which equates to nearly four cups of coffee per person every day!
Among the Finnish culture is also the love for sports, particularly ice hockey, and this love is widely shared, with a strong cultural emphasis on equality, education and a well balanced work-life routine.
Gift-Giving Etiquette in Finland
When sending gifts to Finland, the etiquette is typically modest and thoughtful, with a particular focus on practicality and sincere intent. Gifts are often exchanged during personal occasions, such as birthdays, or during festive holidays, such as Christmas.
When invited to someone’s home, it’s polite to bring a modest gift, such as wine, flowers, or chocolates. Flashy or overly expensive gifts are normally seen as inappropriate, as Finnish culture often values humility and simplicity.
Popular Holidays and Celebrations in Finland
Like so many other countries, Christmas is one of the most popular holidays in Finland, celebrated with family gatherings, festive meals, and the visit of Joulupukki, the Finnish Santa Claus. Midsummer, or “Juhannus,” is another major celebration of the summer solstice, marked by music, bonfires, and time spent in nature.
Other celebrations include Vappu, which is celebrated on May 1st, and is a lively holiday featuring parties, parades, and picnics, particularly for students and workers; as well as Independence Day, which is celebrated on December 6th and is observed with solemn ceremonies and candle-lit windows to honor Finland’s history.
Popular Choices When Sending Gifts to Finland
As mentioned above, wines, chocolate and flowers are popular gifts that reflect the culture and values of the country. Other items include gourmet food products, and local crafts that offer both sophistication and luxury.
Practical gifts, like cozy woolen socks or stylish scarves, align with Finland’s cold climate and books about Finnish culture or nature, or personalized gifts that show thoughtfulness, are also favored. Moreover, gifts that incorporate elements of Finnish tradition or nature, such as sauna-related products, can also be particularly functional and meaningful.
Cross the Finnish Line with Giftsenda
Whether you’re sending gifts to Finland for the first time or not; a gifting platform can help you win. From shareable gift links to customized gift email invites; you can personalize your efforts and reflect the culture of the country in a meaningful way.
And just to make you as happy as the people of the country; you can also integrate your CRM or HRM with the platform for convenient data sharing and all the info you need – when you need it. Let your gifting strategies reflect nature or the traditions of Finnish culture and make meaningful, lasting professional relationships when you send corporate gifts to Finland.
