I have known my GP for about ten years, and used to be on the PPG. Since I'm on hugging terms with him and his wife, get to see his holiday photos and get a Christmas card from them, I don't feel that I'm being inappropriate.
I know that they celebrate Diwali because we had the conversation, it wasn't an assumption by me.
At Christmas, I buy something for all the staff and card and I just give my GP a card. I feel that giving him and wife a Diwali present means more somehow.
I don't buy anything really expensive but on the other hand, I don't have a budget for it. I just buy something that seems the right idea.
I didn't start this thread to get accused of bribing my GP or being culturally inappropriate. Nor am I remotely interested in the Bribery Act. Lighten up people it's just a little thank you.
Hi
@Celeriac
My mention of the 'sunshine rules' was a generalisation, as people do need to be aware that their gift could cause inconvenience. A HCP in NHS I know groans if a grateful relative gives them a box of chocs, because that health trust requires the staff to record every single gift, regardless of value, and they are busy enough with paperwork already. It was not directed at you, personally, so no need to be affronted.
Your orginal post did not give enough specific information. Your doc is a personal friend? Why not take a small gift to his home? That way the patient / HCP relationship becomes a friend / friend relationship, detached from the possibility of the gift being misconstrued by the powers that be.
Diwali is a lovely festival, and the Hindus I have known who celebrate it have all been happy to share the celebrations with people of other faiths, and those of no faith. There are variations of ways of celebrating, just as there are variations of celebrating Christmas, so I don't like to speculate how your friends the doctor and his wife celebrate. Broad generalisation is that family and friends give small gifts over several days. Yes it is festival of lights, but food, card games or other small board games, jewellery and trinkets are exchanged. Family members spend more on each other. Siblings encouraged to choose special gifts for each other. As I am not of the Hindu faith, I apologise if I have misunderstood, and would be happy to be corrected by someone who is of that faith.
As we don't know your budget
@Celeriac, nor do we know the age, family situation or preferences of your friends, it is difficult to advise. A small, token gift, would seem most appropriate from the information you have given. I like
@DeejayR 's suggestion. If you want a gift with the 'light' theme, though, what about some solar lights or ornament for garden?
Alternatively, you could wait for spring and chuck some coloured paint powder over them for the Holi festival.
I hope you will let us know what you choose.
