بسم الله الرحمن الرحيم
(Fatwa: 1348/1043/D=11/1434)
Exchanging gifts is sunnah and mustahab. It is mentioned in hadith: تهادو تحابوا i.e. share gifts with each other as increases love. Thus the exchange of gifts is based on love which is lawful and desired. But the gift which is given to someone who holds any post it is open bribe sometime when it is given in view of any unlawful favour. But if there is no intention behind it but it is only to attach oneself with the company then too it is not free from the doubt of bribe as it may lead to availing any unlawful facility in future; hence one should avoid it. Yes, if there is friendship to an extent that exchanging gifts has become a routine and the relation is not on the basis of the company then there is no harm in accepting such gifts as they are out of sincerity and love.
Allah knows Best!
Darul Ifta,
Darul Uloom Deoband