This often happens with acquaintances such as co-workers. You don't want to make them uncomfortable giving them a gift and you certainly don't want to feel bad when you get one from them but have nothing to provide to them in return. Many people keep small gifts of perfumes or soaps wrapped up for such occasions so they always have something they can give.

If you are giving or receiving a gift you should use both hands to pass it to the other person and to reach for it. This way you don't risk the item being dropped and getting damaged or broken as a result. Don't feel guilty if you get a gift from someone but you don't plan to give them one in return. Gifts should never come with any type of assumption that one will be given in return.

You should never feel obligated to give someone a gift for a particular occasion. If you are able to afford it financial and you want to then by all means do so. Gifts don't have to be expensive to be meaningful. If you had a great time with a close friend give them a nice picture frame with a great picture to remember the occasion by.

Many people are conflicted about the concept of re-gifting. It is perfectly acceptable if you have no use for the particular item. Make sure it isn't something you have already used though. It is a good idea to keep track of who you get such items from though because you don't want to re-gift it to them. You also don't want to give it to someone else in your circle of family or co-workers. This could lead to hurt feelings from the original giver of the gift.

It is always proper to thank someone for any gift they give to you even if you aren't fond if it. This should be done in person if possible. If not you need to send them a thank you card within a couple of days of receiving the gift. This way you don't forget.