Who Buys Hina Dolls? Explaining Traditional Customs and Modern Choices

As the first Hina Festival approaches, a common question in many households is, "Who buys the Hina dolls?"

While there are traditional customs, family structures have changed in modern times, and approaches have diversified.
Here, we will clearly explain the "old customs" and "current trends" for buying Hina dolls, along with tips for making decisions amicably.

Who traditionally buys Hina dolls?

Traditionally, "maternal grandparents" were the main purchasers.

Traditionally, Hina dolls for a newborn girl were generally provided by the **mother's family home.**
A major reason for this was that Hina dolls were treated as "part of the dowry."
In old marriage customs, the groom's side provided betrothal money, while the bride's side prepared dowry items, and Hina dolls were considered a part of this.

There is also another background to this custom.

In the past, it was common for women to live with their husband's family after marriage.
Therefore, it was often difficult for the mother's family to see their daughter or grandchild frequently, and bringing Hina dolls as a festival gift was said to be an opportunity to visit them.

Who buys them now? Latest trends

Nowadays, "no fixed rule" is common.

In modern times, nuclear families are becoming more common, and more households are not adhering to rigid traditional customs.

Therefore, the rule that "the maternal side must buy them" is no longer strictly followed, and it has become common to make flexible decisions as a family.

▶ Common Purchase Patterns

There are various ways to purchase Hina dolls today.

・Grandparents from both sides split the cost.
・The child's parents purchase them themselves.
・Either the mother's side or the father's side purchases them.
・Grandparents provide the funds, and the parents choose the dolls.

What's important isn't **"who buys it," but the wish for the child's growth.**

Tips for avoiding conflict when purchasing Hina dolls

While Hina dolls are a joyous celebration, they can sometimes cause conflict.
To prevent this, prior discussion is very important.

▶ Things to decide beforehand

・Who will purchase them
・Budget
・Display location and size
・Design and atmosphere

Deciding on the actual display location and discussing the size and design is crucial to avoid conflict.

▶ Common Problems

・Too large to display
・Design not to one's taste
・One side of the family bears an uneven burden

To prevent such misunderstandings, try to discuss things early.

Is it okay to buy them yourselves?

Recently, it has become more common for parents to purchase Hina dolls themselves.

Especially,

・Compact and stylish designs
・Hina dolls that blend with the interior
・Easy-to-store types

There is a growing demand for products that suit modern lifestyles.

There's also the enjoyment of replacing them as the child grows or adding to the collection little by little.

First Hina Festival Returns and Etiquette

If you receive Hina dolls as a gift, it is generally **not necessary to give a monetary return.**

Instead,

・Invite them to the celebration of the first Hina Festival
・Offer a meal or hospitality

These are considered ways to express gratitude.

Celebrating with Hina Matsuri dishes like chirashi sushi and clam soup is also recommended.

Traditionally, Hina dolls were usually provided by the maternal grandparents.
However, in modern times, there is no need to be bound by this custom.

・Split the cost between both families
・Parents purchase them
・Choose them together as a family

There are various approaches.

What's important isn't "who buys them," but the wish for your child's healthy growth.

**Discuss as a family and choose a way that allows you to celebrate the first Hina Festival with smiles.**

At HARETOKURASU, we offer Hina dolls in various sizes and types.
We hope to help you create warm memories as a family choosing them.