A Guide to Sending Gifts to Portugal, ​​the Culture & More

Oct 22, 2024 | Corporate Gifting, Gift Ideas

Struggling to find the right gift for your Portuguese colleagues, clients or even leads? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! In this ultimate guide, we’ll uncover the secrets to navigating the gift-giving landscape in Portugal, from navigating customs to discovering the most coveted local treasures.

One sunny afternoon in Lisbon, a young artist named Sofia hopped onto Tram 28, her sketchbook tucked under her arm. As the tram clattered along its historic route, she watched the city unfold outside the window, the vibrant colors of azulejos brightening her mood.

Suddenly, the tram came to a stop, and the lights flickered. To her surprise, an old Portuguese man, wearing a floppy hat and carrying a mysterious wooden box, boarded the tram. With a twinkle in his eye, he sat next to Sofia and opened his box, revealing an array of gifts, each crafted with care. Imagine that this man is Giftsenda and keep reading on to find more about these magical gifts.

A Guide to Sending Gifts to Portugal

About Portugal

Portugal offers more than just picturesque views and a fascinating culture. It is a great place for business activities including meetings, conferences, or incentive trips. In this country there are a variety of business spheres and partnership opportunities – from being the world’s largest cork producer to Portuguese being the sixth most spoken language in the world. The incorporation of elements of Portuguese culture, like the fado or the popular egg treats, into corporate gifts could provide a necessary sense of understanding and enrichment when related to the clients and partners. The adventurous spirit of Portugal, with its giant waves that break records, also exists in its business where the need for creativity and daring approaches prevails.

101 amazing facts about Portugal – A book by Ech Publishing can be read here.

Things that people love to do in Portugal – A Guide to Sending Gifts to Portugal

Here are 5 things that Portuguese people love:

Sweets:

Saying they “love” sweets may be an understatement. Portuguese people adore their baked goods. From sunrise until sunset, people gather at the counters of pastelerias, sipping coffee and eating something fresh, dense and almost invariably always a yellow splash of color. Pastries are delectably eggy, from tiny creme brulee custard cups to something as simple as honey sweetened egg bread. The thing is, Portuguese people happen to have some incredible baked goods at their disposal at all times. So, it’s pretty easy to see why they have such a sweet tooth.

Delectable Cuisine and Wines:

The rich and varied foods of Portugal include a wide variety of items from pastéis de nata (a Portuguese egg custard tart) and bacalhau (salted cod). The country is also renowned for its excellent wines, particularly port.

Vibrant Festivals and Celebrations

The Portuguese love festivals, music, and happy moments. Festivals such as the festa de São João in Porto and the happy Carnaval’s parades are famous throughout the country.

Honoring the Legacy of Explorers:

The Portuguese people take great pride in their nation’s history of exploration, from the voyages of Vasco da Gama to the circumnavigation of the globe by Ferdinand Magellan, a legacy that continues to inspire and captivate. The Monument of the Discoveries in Lisbon pays homage to the explorers  of Portugal’s past. 

Passionate Love for Soccer (Football):

Like many people around the world, Portuguese people are crazy about football, the sport being religious for most of them. Supporting the national squad and local clubs is a favorite activity for almost every citizen. Lets not forget “Ronaldo”, a true Portuguese icon! 

It’s safe to say that the true essence of Portugal lies not just in its breathtaking landscapes or architectural wonders, but in the warmth and hospitality of its people, who are always eager to share their passions and traditions with open arms.

Read more here about what Portuguese people love.

Gift-Giving Etiquette in Portugal

In Portugal, giving gifts is a sign of respect, not a bribe. Gifts should be good quality but not overly expensive and reflect something from your country or region. Avoid giving flowers, especially red ones, or those used at funerals like lilies or chrysanthemums. A follow-up thank you note after receiving a gift is appreciated.

In the Portuguese business environment it is normal to give a gift to customers and partners. To reject a gift is seen as offensive. Also, as gifts are considered to be a personal gesture, it is not polite to re-distribute a gift to staff.

Particularly suitable gifts for Portuguese business partners include  gifts from your own country or region. Spirits, whisky, French brandy (Cognac) or Port wine, coffee table books, personal  items such as ties or scarves are also acceptable gifts. Flowers are  unacceptable.

A Guide to Sending Gifts to Portugal

Excessively expensive gifts can be accepted only if they are really appropriate for a particular business situation and if the person involved has a high position within the company. At Christmas, suppliers usually distribute gifts to their customers. A Guide to Sending Gifts to Portugal emphasizes that your company’s gifts should be representative of your country, and their value must be able to be clearly perceived by the recipient. If you are invited to your Portuguese host’s family, apart from the almost compulsory flowers or a box of chocolates for the spouse, it is advisable to bring along some gifts for his/her children; however, some knowledge of their age range would be beneficial here.

In 2023, for Christmas, 84 percent of Portuguese respondents intended to offer chocolates and other sweets. Apparel and fashion accessories were the second most representative category to be purchased as a gift, with 46 percent of respondents declaring that they would buy these products and 33 percent stating that maybe they would. Wine and other beverages came in third place, with 73 percent of respondents knowing or pondering on buying them as a gift.

Popular Holidays and Celebrations in Portugal

New Year’s Day (Ano Novo) – January 1

Celebrated with family gatherings, fireworks, and parties. Portuguese people often enjoy a special meal with loved ones, and it is also a time for making New Year’s resolutions. On New Year’s Eve, many celebrate with “Festa de Réveillon” parties, and it’s common to eat twelve grapes at midnight for good luck.

Carnival (Carnaval) – February/March (variable dates)

A colorful and lively celebration before the start of Lent. Carnivals are especially famous in cities like Lisbon, Ovar, and Madeira, featuring parades, masquerades, and street parties. It’s a time for people to dress up in costumes, indulge in rich food and drink, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Portugal Day (Dia de Portugal) – June 10

A national holiday celebrating the country’s history and heritage, particularly the contributions of its great figures like Luís de Camões, a national poet. The day includes military parades, patriotic displays, and cultural events throughout the country.

Christmas (Natal) – December 25

Christmas is a deeply important holiday in Portugal, celebrated with family gatherings, Mass, and festive meals. The traditional Christmas Eve dinner, known as Consoada, often includes salted cod (bacalhau) and other local delicacies. After dinner, many attend midnight Mass and exchange gifts. On Christmas Day, people enjoy a festive meal, often with turkey or lamb.

Other Important National Holidays in Portugal

  • Assumption Day- 15th August
  • Republic Day- 5th October
  • All Saints’ Day- 1st November
  • Restoration of Independence- 1st December
  • Immaculate Conception Day- 8th December
  • Christmas Day- 25th December

Send Gifts to Portugal with Giftsenda

Sending corporate gifts to Portugal with fast delivery is easy and secure with Giftsenda. We offer an exclusive collection of unique gifts for international delivery all across Europe and Portugal. 

We offer a wide variety of gift options online to send to Portugal. No matter what the occasion – birthdays, milestones, corporate gifts, new babies, saying thank you, or congratulations – we have a beautiful selection of the best gifts to send. A Guide to Sending Gifts to Portugal will help you navigate your options. Wherever you are in Europe or abroad, through Giftsenda you can send pretty much everything under the sun to Portugal or across the globe.

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