Why Are Birthday Gifts Important?

Giving a birthday gift box is a universal custom all across the globe. It is such a normal part of birthdays and birthday celebrations these days. Why do people give gifts on birthdays? How is the act of giving presents important on birthdays?

Birthdays symbolize the anniversary you came to this world. They mark the significance of your existence, contributions and unique personality – and perhaps what others have sacrificed for you, which you may not always agree with.

People give birthday gifts for different reasons, for reasons personal and impersonal. Cultural beliefs and social contexts are often factors why some are keen on gifts to recognize birthday occasions. Who the birthday person is and the way they have impacted your life are also influential factors.

• Tradition

Giving presents to someone on their special day is a longstanding historical tradition in some families and generations. It may be tied to bigger standing beliefs that have quite some importance. It is only natural to continue giving a surprise gift box on birthdays as per sacrosanct conventions, respecting established hierarchies and what has always been.

Gifting on birthdays traditionally is a marker of importance and status. Chinese culture celebrates certain ages, with red packets common gifts for younger birthdays to attract abundance and the gift of large banquets for someone ages sixty to honor a full life cycle.

• Ward off evil spirits

Alongside tradition, birthday presents are believed to offer protection and strength. During ancient Greek civilization, people believed evil spirits haunted the birthday person so they would celebrate and present gifts as blessings to ward off these energies. Those civilizations believed that positive birthday wishes bring good fortune around you and your personal spirits on your birthday.

• Love, care and appreciation

Perhaps you give someone a birthday box as a present to let them know that their existence is important to you. You would like them to know you love, care and appreciate them, and they matter to you and have a place in your life after yet another year – particularly if you are close to them.

• Social pressure

You might feel peer pressured into giving the birthday person a present when others are giving gifts, giving for the sake of giving. This could be the case if you are part of a social or work group and have to keep up appearances and pleasantries to get along with others.

If someone throws a big birthday party with a long quest list and you are invited, it is generally polite to bring something for them. After all, there is quite a bit of effort that goes into putting together a birthday party for people to enjoy.

• Mark milestones

You might give someone a birthday gift to celebrate how far they have come and acknowledge what they achieved over the past year. Or it could have been a challenging year for them and you would like them to have a treat. Presenting a gift to a mature Chinese person on their birthday is a way to honor their wisdom acquired so to speak.

If you are also looking for some custom gift bags for a birthday person, check out the collection available at The Housewarming Project!