Problem setting. At the present stage of development of international relations, more and more diplomatic negotiations are taking place and a large number of international agreements are being concluded, so for the successful and effective functioning of the state foreign policy mechanism many tools are needed, each of which sets the mechanism in motion. However, the issues of gift literacy and their conceptualization of the role as a tool of diplomatic protocol in the implementation of international contacts of bilateral and multilateral nature remain unexplored. Analysis of resent researches and publications. The following scientists were engaged in research of the specified question: Ukrainian scientists – O. Sagaidak, G. Rudenko, Polish – L. Ikanovich, J. Picarsky, T. Orlovsky, English – John Wood, Jean Serre and others. The target of research is to study the essence of diplomatic protocol and etiquette on the example of gift literacy as a special tool for establishing relations in international cooperation, as well as outlining the realities of regulating this procedure and determining the practical side of the gift process in the context of diplomatic relations. Article’s main body. In the article investigated the essence and genesis of the practice of applying the diplomatic protocol in multilateral diplomacy for political purposes. It is argued that some protocol aspects of a multilateral meeting may be subject to political manipulation, and their behavioral influence on decision-makers is used. The importance of using gifts at the present stage of diplomacy development as one of the political tools that is subordinated to foreign policy goals is determined. The gifts received during the working trips of the presidents of the countries reflect the current state of development of the states, cover meetings and communication with the population, outline the professional and political interests and priorities of the states. The exchange of memorable gifts and souvenirs is carried out in the protocol order or by agreement of the parties in a solemn atmosphere as a separate protocol event within the framework of the state visit of the head of a foreign state. Examining the gifts, you can determine the geography of official visits of high-ranking officials, the current state of development of states, assess the outcome of meetings and communication with the population, learn about professional and political interests and priorities of states. In the protocol practice of most countries, strict cost limits have been introduced for gifts given or received by senior officials. Conclusions and prospects for the development. Gift literacy is one of the modern tools of diplomatic protocol, and the rules for choosing diplomatic gifts are a science, the basic principles of which have changed and improved over the centuries and to this day. Gifts from foreign heads of state, representatives of international organizations and business circles represent the donor country, reflecting customs, culture, government.