The Politics of Gift-Giving

If only President Obama's staff had consulted First Lady Michelle Obama's staff about a gift for Prime Minister Gordon Brown, perhaps the gaffe and ensuing bad press could have been avoided. Michelle Obama gave Sarah Brown a brooch from Keith Lipert's Gallery; certainly Lipert could have suggested the perfect offering for his fellow Englishman, rather than a DVD collection that could not work in the media system at 10 Downing.

Behind its unassuming red storefront on M Street, the Keith Lipert Gallery supplies the gifts that forge relationships between world leaders, countries and businesses. It is entirely possible that owner Keith Lipert has single-handedly assured the continuation of diplomatic relationships through his thoughtful approach to gift-giving.  

How did Washington get along without the shop-owner prior to his arrival in Georgetown in 1994? Lipert described Georgetown as both a "lovely village" and "the crossroads of the world." Trusted by business executives, dignitaries and presidents, Lipert beams with satisfaction at a job well-done and relishes a career spent exploring the politics of gift-giving. 

"The tradition of gifting is as old as time," Lipert explained. But often Americans struggle to know what to give, let alone why a gift is even required. Rather than considering the gift an obligation, it should be viewed as a "great opportunity to make the right impression" especially since the wrong gift "does damage" according to Lipert.

So how do you avoid doing damage and give the right impression? "It's not about budget, not about money. It's about the thought; at any level you can give a great gift, you just have to think hard," Lipert offered.

At times people forget the definition of a gift or misunderstand what qualifies as one, Lipert said.

"A pen with your name on it is not a gift; it might be very nice, but essentially it's an advertising vehicle."

The expert described his process for assisting customers, saying he asks them about the message meant to be sent with the gift, the history of the relationship between the giver and the receiver and what the future holds for that relationship.

Lipert explained that a "great gift reflects who you are as a country or a company" and that it is about "the human connection and being trustworthy ... suddenly the gift says more about [his clients] than it says about [the recipients]."

The diplomatic shop-owner described a passion for each of his projects, but admitted that he had a few he was particularly proud of.  For instance, he designed the gift then-President Bill Clinton gave at the 50th Anniversary of the NATO summit. At the time he thought to himself, "how can I make all of the countries equal?" and then it came to him, the Knights of the Round Table.

The bowl he designed has each country's flag around the rim, their names in English and French, sitting, "around the table so to speak ... no one is above the other." Lipert said, "It took a lot of thinking. … It looks obvious now…but I was very proud of that."

He has also chosen gifts that have gone to Nelson Mandela, all of the heads of state of Europe and most of South America. Though his customers include diplomats and ambassadors, Lipert explained that it's just a way of life, in "Georgetown, we live it, we eat it, breath it." And Lipert guides them all to the perfect choice, the right message and ensures that the politics of gift-giving do not disturb the politics of relationships.