Gift to avoid There are some gifts that should be avoided at all costs due to cultural symbolism or the fact that that word shares a similar pronunciation to something undesirable. Clocks--- in Chinese, the words that mean "To give a clock", “送钟” has the same production as the phrase “送终”, which means that the family of a disease person has completed all the tasks related to burying their loved ones. Due to the sound connection between these two unrelated sings, giving a clock is in bad taste. Chrysanthemums---These flowers are lovely and can be made into a delicious tea, but you don't want to give them for gifts as they're often used for funeral. Umbrella--- China makes some beautiful umbrellas ---both the kind that protect you from the rain and the ones that keep your skin from getting dark ( yes. there is a difference!)--- but they are not appropriate for gift-giving. The world umbrella," 伞 " sounds like the word" 散 " , which means to separate. Giving an umbrella symbolizes that the relationship between you and the recipient may soon dissolve. Shoes---No matter how cute they are, do not buy those glitter heels or chic boots for your Chinese girlfriend! Shoes should be avoided because, as the thought goes, she could use them to run away from you, thus ending your relationship. The Number "4"----When giving cash gifts, avoid giving an amount that includes a four such as 40 or 400 since the pronunciation of four, " 四 ", sounds similar to the word death, " 死 ".