"Survey Results: Gifts That Are Not Appreciated - A Guide for Choosing Wedding Favors and Return Gifts"

2020.05.02 published

Gifts are Difficult!

We received a consultation from a soon-to-be bride to marry.

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I would like to prepare a return gift for those who gave us wedding gifts, worth around 3,000 to 5,000 yen, that doubles as a thank-you gift.

I’m thinking maybe delicious sweets or tableware... So I have a question for everyone.

"Have you ever received a gift that was a bit underwhelming?"

I would love to hear your thoughts as reference!

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Indeed, gifts can be quite tricky...

Here are some responses we collected.

Gifts that were not appreciated as return gifts or wedding gifts 1

When I gave a wedding gift to a newlywed couple, I received a glass with their names on it and a plate with a photo for the “return gift.”

It came along with towels and so on...

I don’t want items like tableware that are not my taste.

Even if the contents are ordinary, it's tough when the packaging has wedding photos. Once it has a photo, I feel bad about even throwing away the box.

Consumables like detergent or sweets are much more helpful.

Gifts that were not appreciated as return gifts or wedding gifts 2

I often receive Starbucks drip coffee sets as return gifts for weddings or births.

I’ve received it several times, and I feel overwhelmed with too many at home.

I don't even drink that much coffee, and since it’s not an item that I can easily part with (I have no choice but to throw it away), I find it a bit underwhelming.

By the way, for those who have particular preferences when it comes to tableware, gifts like dishware can often be tricky, so I think neutral designs are best when giving tableware.

On the other hand, plain Imabari towels or rice would definitely be consumed, and they are not bothersome to have, plus the uses are endless, making them quite good choices. ^_^

Gifts that were not appreciated as return gifts or wedding gifts 3

Tableware that is not to my taste or is overly stylish can be impractical and troublesome to use. 😭

I appreciate sweets or towels from slightly higher-end places that I wouldn’t normally buy for myself. 🙆‍♂️

Gifts that were not appreciated as return gifts or wedding gifts 4

A lipstick in a color that doesn’t suit me. I couldn't use it, which was a little troublesome. 😥 I felt bad about not being able to use it.

Since lip products are very personal...

I think staples like the classic Lunasol eyeshadow would suit anyone better, so if you're going to give cosmetics, that might be the way to go.

Gifts that were not appreciated as return gifts or wedding gifts 5

Cups. Since I was already living together, I had plenty of cups, but then I received three more cups as wedding gifts.

I appreciate the thought, but honestly, I think I have enough... 😂

For couples who are already living together, I think gifts like kitchenware or glassware that imply "new beginnings" might not be suitable.

Gifts that were not appreciated as return gifts or wedding gifts 6

I received a bright red earthenware pot as a gift.

I'm not sure if earthenware pots are commonly used nowadays, but I think items that are frequently used, like plates or regular pots, would be better...

Gifts that were not appreciated as return gifts or wedding gifts 7

I received Mickey and Minnie wine glasses from a couple who loves Disneyland as a present.

I’m not fond of character-themed dinnerware, so I took them straight to my parents’ home.

I worried it might be a burden for my parents, but since they live in the countryside, they take in anything. lol

Gifts that were not appreciated as return gifts or wedding gifts 8

I couldn't use the uniquely designed Lisa Larson plate.

The person who gifted it liked those kinds of designs, but I don’t own anything like that, and it looks out of place on my shelf, making it unusable.

Although I do think the item itself is cute, sending something based on your own preference without considering the recipient can show a lack of thoughtfulness.

Gifts that were not appreciated as return gifts or wedding gifts 9

When I received a pair of mugs that didn't align with my taste, I struggled to find a use for them and ended up giving them to a relative. 💦

Living alone in a small apartment, I think consumables like towels or food are much more valuable to receive. 💦

Gifts that were not appreciated as return gifts or wedding gifts 10

A glass with my name on it. (Not the bride and groom's names but mine. lol)

Since it doesn’t match my taste and I can’t pass it on due to it being personalized, it’s going unused.

I tend to lean towards non-material gifts when returning to people other than my parents, or I might opt for nice seasonings or sweets that I wouldn’t usually buy, or occasionally gift certificates.

Gifts that were not appreciated as return gifts or wedding gifts 11

A pair of cute mugs (the design is different from my preference. Looks like something someone with kids would enjoy).

Gifts that were not appreciated as return gifts or wedding gifts 12

I’ve received an eco-bag with a really unclear animal pattern, which honestly I didn’t use... 💦

Gifts that were not appreciated as return gifts or wedding gifts 13

A ceramic container that can be microwaved. A lot of them were received as return gifts and wedding favors.

Tiffany’s dishware also wasn’t to my taste, and I can’t match the pieces...

Ultimately, gifts should really be food. Something elegant that you wouldn’t normally buy for yourself works best.

Gifts that were not appreciated as return gifts or wedding gifts 14

A bath salt with a scent I don’t like (from LUSH). I didn't use it because it wasn’t to my taste.

Towels and Sweets are Safe!

We shared the responses gathered from the survey, "Have you ever received a gift that was a bit underwhelming?"

From the commonly seen "photo-printed and name-engraved" tableware and interior items to quite unexpected "coffee beans"…

Gifts can vary widely in what pleases different recipients, which makes choosing truly difficult...!

It’s easy if you’re in a friendly relationship where you can simply ask, “What do you want?” but that’s not always the case...!

However, I’ve never heard of anyone saying they had an issue with receiving Imabari towels or sweets, making them invincible options in the gift world!

If you find choosing difficult, starting with Imabari towels or good brand sweets should guarantee a safe choice, and it seems like you can't go wrong with them.

@chan_mdy_wd