Basic etiquette for baby shower gifts | The new standard for baby shower gifts! Why seaweed gifts are chosen

Introduction

"Naiku" is a way to express gratitude to those who have given you gifts for the birth of a child. It is an important part of Japanese culture that has been passed down since ancient times.

You'll want to choose a gift that expresses your gratitude while keeping in mind the basics of giving gifts for the birth of a child, such as the best time to give, the appropriate amount, and etiquette for gift wrapping paper.

In recent years, "seaweed gifts" have become popular as gifts to celebrate the birth of a child.

At our company, many customers choose seaweed gifts as gifts for celebrations, and their popularity is increasing.

This time, we will introduce the basic etiquette for giving gifts in celebration of a newborn baby, as well as the appeal of seaweed gifts, which have been gaining attention in recent years.

What is a birth celebration?

"Naiku" is a way of celebrating a happy event by oneself. In the past, people would give "naiku" to everyone who announced the birth, not just to those who had given them gifts.

However, recently it has become common to give it as a "return gift" to someone who has given you a gift.

Basic etiquette for gift-giving for the birth of a child

A "baby gift" is given to express gratitude to those who have given a baby gift.

When you see the cute face of a newborn baby, you will naturally want to give a gift in return right away, but there are some etiquette you should know, such as the timing and amount of the gift, and how to write the gift tag.

Be sure to remember basic etiquette so that your gift doesn't come across as rude or make the recipient feel uncomfortable.

Time to give	Around one month after birth, around the time of the baby's first shrine visit
Price range	One-third to one-half of the amount received
Mizuhiki and Noshi	Red and white bow, with gift wrapping
Inscription	"Celebration" and "Birth celebration" in the child's name

Return gifts for birth gifts are sent as "uchi-iwai" (celebration in the house) approximately one month after the birth.

The guideline for the amount should be one-third to one-half of the amount of the gift you received, but if you don't mind the amount, you can send a flat rate of 2,000 to 3,000 yen.

If you receive a very expensive gift, your return gift will also be very expensive if you give only one-third to one-half of the amount.

Originally, gifts are not given with the expectation of receiving a gift in return, so giving an excessively expensive gift in return can actually end up being an emotional burden to the recipient.

In that case, it is important to send a polite thank you note to express your gratitude.

Gifts in return for a baby shower should be wrapped in red and white bow-knotted mizuhiki, with a noshi paper and the words "nuchigatsu" (celebration inside the gift box) written on the envelope.

For celebrations, the baby's name is written underneath the mizuhiki, as it conveys the message that the baby was born safely and also serves to unveil the baby's name.

Traditionally it was common to include reading kana, but recently this is often omitted.

In some regions, the parents' names are written and a strip of paper with the baby's name written on it is attached to the top right corner of the noshi paper.

How to choose a gift for a birth that will be appreciated

Gifts given as baby shower presents have changed with the times.

In the past, there was a custom of sharing gifts for the birth of a child depending on the region and household, and it was common to distribute red and white sugar, red rice, dried bonito flakes, etc.

However, in recent years, people have come to choose a variety of gifts depending on the recipient and the occasion.

In addition to catalog gifts, which have been particularly popular in recent years, classic gifts such as towel sets and sweets sets are often made with a focus on materials and design, and continue to enjoy enduring popularity.

When giving a gift to someone at work, something that is easy to share, such as individually wrapped sweets, will be appreciated.

For grandparents and other close relatives, we recommend original gifts such as wine or juice with a label bearing the baby's name or a cute photo of the baby. They will be happy if you include a card with a photo of the baby and their profile (birthday, height, weight, recent events, etc.).

A baby shower gift is a good opportunity to express your gratitude and announce the birth of a new family member. Choose a gift with care, imagining the recipient's face.

Gifts to avoid when celebrating the birth of a child

A baby shower gift is a happy opportunity to express gratitude for the gift you received and to announce the birth of a baby. However, it can be ruined if the gift makes the recipient feel uncomfortable.

In particular, the following gifts should be avoided:

Something unlucky

Knives : The image of "cutting" brings to mind the severing of ties, so they are inappropriate as gifts for celebrations.
Comb : It is considered unlucky because it sounds like a pun that brings to mind the words "suffering" and "death."
Footwear/mats : Giving something that will be stepped on is considered disrespectful to a superior.
Underwear : It is considered rude to give items that come into direct contact with the skin, unless you are very close.
Handkerchiefs : White handkerchiefs, in particular, are considered to be avoided as gifts as they are associated with "hand-cutting."

others

Items with a clearly visible amount : Items with a clearly visible amount, such as gift certificates or coupons, may make the recipient feel uncomfortable.
Perishable foods and refrigerated items : Avoid items that lose freshness easily and are difficult to handle.
Alcohol : Consider that some family members may be breastfeeding or unable to drink alcohol.

Keep these points in mind and choose a heartfelt baby gift that the recipient will be happy to receive.

Frequently asked questions

1. How do I return the gift I received jointly from my colleagues?

We recommend sweets that last a long time and can be shared by everyone, as well as an assortment of delicious coffee and tea. If you give it to the representative, everyone can enjoy it during breaks, etc.

If you want to give each person a gift, it can be something small and of a modest value, like a small set of sweets, tea, or a towel.

2. Do I need to give a gift in return for a gift I receive from my parents?

Give the same gift to your parents as a "congratulatory gift." The gift can be the same as the other gifts, but if you want to give something special, a commemorative gift such as a photo frame with a baby's photo in it or an album with photos pasted on it will make them happy.

3. Is it okay to send a gift in return to someone who is in mourning?

A birth celebration is a way to express gratitude for the gift. There is no problem in sending a gift even if the recipient or yourself are in mourning.

However, you should wait until after the 49th day before returning the gift, as before that is a busy time in the midst of deep grief and preparations for various formalities and memorial services.

If the recipient is in mourning, avoid the character "Congratulations" on the front of the gift tag and write "Thank you." Use a bow for the Mizuhiki. If you are uncomfortable with attaching a gift tag, you can just wrap the gift.

The important thing is to express your gratitude.

Why seaweed gifts are chosen as baby gifts

Did you know that "seaweed gifts" have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to express gratitude?

Some people may be surprised to hear that nori (seaweed) looks plain and is considered poor taste, but nori gifts are packed with many attractive features that make them perfect for baby shower gifts, and we are receiving many orders every day.

1. Nori is a lucky charm that brings happiness

Since ancient times in Japan, nori seaweed has been called "lucky grass" and has been treasured at celebratory occasions as a lucky charm that brings good fortune.

When giving gifts of auspicious seaweed to celebrate the new beginning of childbirth, people express their wishes for the baby to grow up healthy and live a life filled with happiness.

2. Nori is an essential part of the daily diet

Nori seaweed is an essential ingredient on the Japanese diet.

Its versatility means it can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, not just as a side dish with rice, but also in pasta and salads, or as a snack or appetizer.

Nori is loved by many people, regardless of age or gender, and also makes a great gift.

Since it is something that is on the dinner table every day, there are very few people who would be inconvenienced by receiving it.

3. Don’t burden your partner

When choosing a gift, shelf life is also an important factor.

Nori can be stored for long periods at room temperature, so there is no need to worry about its expiration date.

The recipient doesn't have to eat it right away, so it doesn't feel like a burden. Seaweed, which keeps well, is a great gift to give to someone who lives alone or is elderly.

A gift for longevity and good health | Express your gratitude with Yamamotoyama Nori seaweed

Founded more than 300 years ago, Yamamotoyama's nori seaweed is a masterpiece that embodies traditions passed down through generations and an unwavering commitment to quality.

As a symbol of longevity and health, it is popular among many people as a gift for baby showers, celebrating the birth of a new life and expressing wishes for its healthy growth.

At the same time, it is a gift that conveys wishes for long-lasting health and happiness to those who celebrate the birth of a new life.

A baby gift is not just a simple thank you gift, but a special opportunity to convey the family history that has continued up until now, future prosperity, and wishes for happiness for all involved.

Giving Yamamotoyama nori as a gift to celebrate the birth of a child conveys wishes for the baby's healthy growth and the recipient's long life.

The deep flavor, history, and tradition contained in each piece are sure to create an unforgettable experience.