"This is Sure to be Loved! What are the Ideal Return Gifts and Wedding Favors Everyone Will Appreciate?"
2020.03.09 published
The Concept of Risk Exclusion
When choosing a gift for someone, there are typically two approaches.
One is the "I want to give this! ♡" proposal-style gift, and the other is a more insurance-like consideration of "I don't know what they would appreciate, but this is something they won't dislike."
If you have a close relationship or if you have a strong attachment to the gift, it can be nice to offer the proposal-type gift without initially considering the other person's reaction.
It's wonderful when someone responds with, "Wow! My world has expanded! ♡ I didn't know something like this existed! ♡"
However, if the relationship lacks that level of intimacy, or if both parties do not possess such characters, you may find yourself unsure of what to choose or what they might like, leading to a more pragmatic choice of, "Then let's go with something safe."
This is particularly common for occasions like weddings and other ceremonies, where you often send gifts like thank-you presents to relatives or older family members whom you don't see often, and you may find yourself pondering, "What would be something they wouldn't mind receiving...?"
But!
Surprisingly, when asking the question, "What do you think is a gift that wouldn't be a bother to receive??," the answers vary quite a bit from person to person.
So♡
In this article, I will introduce some of the answers I gathered from various people regarding "what are good gifts that wouldn’t be bothersome to receive," where I thought, "That’s definitely true!"
Several people mentioned, "I don't need face towels, but bath towels are appreciated."
Indeed, bath towels are something you use every day, they get wet and wear out, and you rarely receive them as prizes like you might with hand towels or face towels, making them a bit more luxurious.
Bath towels are something one would be happy to receive.
A plain, fluffy, white bath towel like those from hotels is highly recommended.
Gift That Wouldn't Be a Bother: 2. Dashi (Soup Stock)
Kayano-ya's dashi is definitely a classic choice.
The timing for giving gifts often coincides with moments like newlyweds moving into a new home or welcoming a new child, where reflections on life and a desire to "get cooking!" arise.
Dashi is basic to cooking. When the dashi is delicious, the quality of the food varies significantly.
Plus, many varieties of Kayano-ya's dashi come in convenient packets, making it easy to use and not daunting for those who might think, "Dashi?! What's that, sounds complicated!"
In winter, it's convenient as you can use it directly in nabemono (hot pot).
Gift That Wouldn't Be a Bother: 3. Seasonings and Oils
Since they are consumable and used daily, seasonings, dressings, and oils are classic "gifts that aren’t likely to be disliked."
Specifically, familiar seasonings have a higher acceptance rate than trendy, exotic herbs and sauces that may seem difficult to use.
For example, good soy sauce, quality salt, or premium olive oil and sesame oil would likely be well-received.
Choose bottles that are neither too big nor too small.
(Mini-sized varieties for trying out often end up being neglected; it's better to go with everyday usable types.)
Jelly seems to be a hit gift for families with children.
It's lighter than ice cream, guilt-free to eat, can be shipped at room temperature, and those that are fruit-filled feel special.
Offerings from places like Senbikiya, Takano Fruit Parlor, and Genkitchōan are popular choices.
Gift That Wouldn't Be a Bother: 5. Good Chopsticks
Surprisingly, many voices expressed, "Chopsticks are appreciated!"
Chopsticks that are simple yet of good quality, suitable for guests rather than just a designated couple's set, are indeed necessary in everyday life.
They work for anyone regardless of gender, and quality chopsticks are useful for serving dishes.
It's best to go with ones that are made of wood or bamboo and have no patterns or embellishments.
Gift That Wouldn't Be a Bother: 6. Hand Soap
Given the recent spread of COVID-19, it's essential to emphasize washing hands and gargling.
Hand soap for washing hands is a consumable item, and many might not splurge on high-quality ones for themselves, making it an ideal gift to give from a well-known brand.
It seems especially appreciated by younger families.
Aesop is the quintessential choice.
Now, which one will you choose? ♡
There are various opinions, but I have shared my selections of "universally appealing gift" candidates that I thought would not be unpleasant to receive.
If you find yourself in doubt, feel free to use this as a reference! ♡