An expert on all things British etiquette has explained exactly when it’s acceptable to hint for gifts in the run up to the festive season.
Luxury fashion retailer FLANNELS, has partnered with Etiquette and Manners Expert Laura Windsor to provide a modern day rule book with steps to follow, to increase Brit’s probability at getting gifts they desire.
Laura explains: “Hinting is typically a British phenomenon, as traditionally we don’t like to be direct in the way we communicate. Brits tend to speak between the lines and indicate what we want through subtle verbal or physical cues, whilst moderating our emotions when expressing how we feel.”
With the ‘ber’ months here and the countdown to Black Friday and Christmas shortly upon us, FLANNELS has launched their prestigious Beauty Cracker, and are urging shoppers to think ahead and buy early to ensure a less stressful festive period – whilst encouraging Brits to start making suggestions as early as possible.
Laura has shared insight into what language to use when hinting, as well as the most persuasive mannerisms and body language to display.
She comments: “Subtlety is the etiquette in this situation. You could say something along the lines of ‘Oh isn’t this great? Such a great present! I’d love something like that’.
“The three steps to follow which form my golden rule book are:
- Hinting with a smile
- Showing open body language – which means facing the person to whom you are talking, do not cross your arms or legs, stand upright and avoid slouching
- Look the person in the eye with conviction”
But, do the same rules apply when hinting for different types of gifts?
Laura reveals how to hint for a beauty product: “Casual comments are the best way to imply here. Talk about the latest beauty product or drop you have your eye on and say what you think about it and how it would benefit you.”
The most persuasive phrases to use include:
- ‘Oh, have you heard about the latest…?’
- ‘Oh I wish this… hadn’t run out. I really love it!’
- ‘Oh no! I’ve run out of …! What am I going to do?’
When eyeing up a certain fashion accessory or item, Laura suggests: “Take your friends or family shopping and subtly direct them into certain shops, pointing out items you like the look of in particular.
The most persuasive phrases to use include:
- “This dress is so beautiful, I think the colour would really suit me.”
- “I think this would look great to wear to a work party.”
- “This style really suits my body type. This would look great for one of our date nights.”
Wellness gifts and trips might be harder to approach but Laura states social media is a great platform for hinting: “You could share articles, photos or posts related to your desired wellness gift on your social media stories, for example, by sharing a photo from your favourite spa’s social media. You could tag that special someone in the comments and be a bit more obvious, commenting about how you’d love to make a trip there together.”
To start your seasonal shopping early and look for hinting inspiration, please visit: https://www.flannels.com/flannels-beauty
