What should I do if I receive a gift?
When a baby is born, people often receive congratulatory gifts and messages from relatives and friends.
While you feel grateful, you may also be unsure as to how you should return the gift or whether it is necessary to give a gift in return.
Here we will introduce basic etiquette for the Shichi-ya celebration, as well as ways to think about and recommend return gifts (uchiiwai). Please use this as a reference for how to politely convey your gratitude.
1. If you receive a gift for the birth of a child at the Shichi-ya celebration
When you receive a gift, the most important thing is to express your gratitude.
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Express your gratitude as soon as possible . Don't be concerned about the formality, such as calling, messaging, or emailing, but start by expressing your gratitude.
(Example) "Thank you for celebrating the birth of my baby. I will cherish it." -
It's a hectic period right after giving birth, so be sure to take your physical condition and timing into consideration , and do what you can within your limits.
2. What is "uchiiwai"? Its meaning and timing
"Uchiiwai" originally meant "sharing a celebration among family members." Nowadays, it generally means "giving a gift in return for a celebration received."
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Recommended time to give : It is common to give it around one month after birth (around the time of the baby's first shrine visit).
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Guideline for amount : The most common answer is "half to one-third" of the amount or item received.
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Recipient : Most gifts are given to individuals, but it is also acceptable for the gift to be given jointly to a couple or family.
3. Choosing a gift for the celebration
It is important not to get too caught up in the formalities and to keep in mind "what will make the other person happy."
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Sweets and gourmet gifts (baked goods, gift catalogs, etc.) are popular.
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Items with your baby's name on them (such as towels, personalized rice, etc.) can also make great keepsakes.
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Practical items such as towels and detergent are classic gifts that are easy to give to anyone.
*Considering the recipient's family structure and age will make the impression more heartfelt.
4. If you are holding a dinner party to celebrate the seventh night
Meals can also serve as a substitute for a gift
If you hold a dinner party for your family and friends on the seventh night,
It is often thought that the hospitality itself is a form of return gift .
In particular, if no gift was brought, or if the person was a close friend and told you "there is no need to worry," a polite meal and a pleasant time together is considered a sufficient way to show gratitude.
If you receive a gift, please send a separate thank you gift.
If you receive a "baby gift" or "cash or gift" in addition to the dinner party, it would be polite to send a return gift at a later date .
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Timing: Within 1-2 weeks of the meal, by around 1 month after birth
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Examples of items: sweets, gift catalogs, personalized towels, etc.
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Inscription on the gift tag: "Congratulations on the birth of a child" or "Congratulations on the birth of a child" and the baby's name
*If you are worried that a dinner party would be enough and that you might make them feel uncomfortable,
It is a good idea to be modest yet considerate, such as including a message card with a small item.
5. How to write the gift tag and message
It is common to attach a "noshi" (gift tag) to a gift in return.
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The inscription on the gift tag reads : "Birth celebration" or "Celebration"
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Name : Baby's name (please include furigana)
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Adding a message card will help convey your feelings even more.
(Example) "Thank you very much for the warm celebration. Thanks to you, both mother and child are doing well."
5. When should I not give a gift in return?
It is not necessary to give a gift in all cases.
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If you are very close and the other person says "no need to give anything in return"
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If you receive a gift from "everyone" at work etc. , a simple response such as handing out sweets to everyone is fine.
It's okay to make decisions flexibly, while still respecting your relationship with the other person and your feelings of consideration.
■ Conclude by carefully expressing your gratitude.
A gift-giving ceremony is more of an opportunity to express gratitude than a formality.
Expressing gratitude to those around you who supported you through the big event of childbirth may be the most important etiquette of all.