The basics of how to choose, write, put, and wrap a gift envelope for a baby shower

The birth of a new life is one of life's most joyful moments.

When giving a baby gift, many people may wonder, "What kind of gift envelope should I choose?" and "How should I put the money in and write it?"

Gift envelopes not only contain the amount of money, but also play an important role in politely conveying your congratulations.
In this article, we have clearly summarized the basics of how to choose, write, put in, and wrap a gift envelope for a baby shower .
In order to make the recipient truly happy, let's learn how to give a gift in a way that conveys our feelings, along with proper etiquette.

1. How to choose a gift envelope

◎ The meaning changes depending on the shape and color of the mizuhiki

Since a baby gift is a joyous occasion and a celebration that can be enjoyed no matter how many times it is given, we choose a mizuhiki with a bow knot (flower knot). The shape of the bow knot allows it to be tied again and again, and it carries the wish that "happiness will be multiplied."

The basic colors for mizuhiki are red and white . If you want to make it more colorful, gold, silver, or red gold would also be good.
On the other hand, knotted knots, Awaji knots, black and white knots , etc. have the meaning of "not repeating," so they are not suitable as gifts for newborns.

◎ Choose according to the amount and recipient

• For relatives, superiors, and other superiors , give a formal gift envelope made of Japanese paper or decorated with three-dimensional mizuhiki.

• For close friends or colleagues , casual designs are fine. It's best to choose something warm, such as baby or floral prints.

If the amount is large, choosing a high-quality gift envelope that suits it will give a more polite impression.

◆ Design that suits the price

If the envelope is too expensive or too cheap for the amount of money being wrapped, it will give a slightly disjointed impression.

As a guideline:

• Around 10,000 yen...something with a simple design

• Around 30,000 yen: Something a little flashy (e.g., with embroidery or gold leaf)

• Over 50,000 yen: Prestigious, luxurious items (boxed or heavily decorated)

◆ Value your relationship with the recipient

If you are giving a gift to a friend, a casual design is fine, but if you are giving a gift to your boss or relative, it is best to stick to subdued colors and formality.

The number of mizuhiki strands is basically "5 strands", and for a typical amount of 10,000 to 30,000 yen, 5 strands is fine. If the amount is larger, you can choose "7 strands". Please note that mizuhiki with 10 or more strands may not be suitable for a baby gift.

2. How to write the envelope

Write "Congratulations" or "Congratulations on the birth" in the top center.
Avoid words like "ju" (longevity), which are usually used for wedding gifts.
Also, since "Osananagoi" (celebration of the birth) is four characters long (= "dead character"), it is considered better to write "Osananagoi" (celebration of the birth)**.

Below the mizuhiki, write the giver's name. If it's an individual, write the full name. If it's a married couple, write the husband's name on the right and the wife's name on the left. If there are multiple people, write them in alphabetical order from right to left. If there are four or more people, you can write the name of the representative + "and all others." (Up to three people can be listed.)

If you use "everyone" or "everyone else," be sure to include a piece of paper with the names of everyone except the representative written on it.

◎ How to write on the inner envelope (inner package)

• The amount is written in the center of the front in old-style characters (large characters), such as "10,000 yen" or "30,000 yen."
  (Example) 1, 2, 3, 5, 1, 10,000, yen

• Write your name and address on the bottom left of the back.
  
  If you have multiple names or multiple recipients and you cannot fit all the addresses in the envelope, you can write everyone's names and addresses on a separate piece of paper and enclose it in the inner envelope.
  

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  A little more information on the timing and method of giving

  • In many cases, the visit or mailing will be made after the mother has been discharged from the hospital or has settled down, rather than immediately after the birth. It is a good idea to take the situation into consideration and add a comment such as "I will come again to visit you" or "I will come again to congratulate you once things have settled down."

  • When sending by mail, it is polite to write something like "Gift envelope enclosed" on the front of the envelope.

  • When giving the gift, adding a message like "Congratulations. It's a small token of my congratulations..." will convey your feelings of celebration.
    

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  A little more information on the timing and method of giving

  • In many cases, the visit or mailing will be made after the mother has been discharged from the hospital or has settled down, rather than immediately after the birth. It is a good idea to take the situation into consideration and add a comment such as "I will come again to visit you" or "I will come again to congratulate you once things have settled down."

  • When sending by mail, it is polite to write something like "Gift envelope enclosed" on the front of the envelope.

  • When giving the gift, adding a message like "Congratulations. It's a small token of my congratulations..." will convey your feelings of celebration.
    

• The basic writing implement is a dark black brush pen or writing brush . Avoid ballpoint pens and light ink.
  
  
  

  
  

  2. How to put a gift in the box

  
  You put bills in the inner envelope, but there are some small etiquette rules to follow.

  
  ◆ Prepare new banknotes

  
  It is considered good manners to use new, uncreased bills for wedding gifts, so be sure to have them ready in advance at a bank or similar place.

  
  ◆ Pay attention to the orientation of the bills

  The key point is that the bills are oriented so that the portrait is visible when the inner envelope is opened.
  When placing bills in the inner pouch, make sure the portrait (face) of the bill is facing the front of the inner pouch and is at the top. When sealing, simply fold it lightly rather than gluing it.

  
  
  
  
  

  ◆ If there is no inner bag

  If you don't have an inner bag, you can use Japanese paper or copy paper.

  
  <How to fold>
  
  

  
  

  
  

  ◎ For celebrations, fold it so that the top is on the outside.

  Fold the gift envelope over so that the top fold is on the outside .
  This has the meaning of "stacking happiness upwards," and is an appropriate way of wrapping for celebratory occasions such as a baby shower.

  ◎ Be mindful of the timing of giving

  The period immediately after birth is hectic for both mother and baby.
  It is common to send gifts after the patient has been discharged from the hospital or once they have settled down.
  If you visit, it is polite to present a gift envelope along with the gift and add a note saying, "Congratulations. This is a small token of my congratulations."

  If you are sending by mail, it is safe to use registered cash mail and write "Gift envelope enclosed" on the envelope.

  
  

  6. Summary

  A gift envelope for a baby shower is more than just a way to wrap money; it is an important tool for "giving form to the feelings of celebration."
  The bow-knotted mizuhiki, the careful lettering, the way the new bills are placed - each and every detail shows the thoughtfulness of the recipient.

  If you know the proper etiquette, you can give gifts with confidence.
  If you are planning to give a gift in the future, please keep these basics in mind and give your gift with warm feelings.