Breaking Down 7 Taboo Birthday Gifts & Busting Myths

Birthdays are special occasions, so choosing a meaningful birthday gift will genuinely convey your feelings to your loved ones. Some birthday gifts are considered taboo and should be avoided. However, is that really the case, and are there any exceptions for giving these gifts?

7 Taboo Birthday Gifts and Debunking Myths

  1. Knives and Scissors

In Eastern culture, gift-giving on birthdays is a beautiful tradition. However, some gifts are considered taboo due to superstitions. One such gift is knives or scissors.

Giving knives or scissors on a birthday is believed to sever the relationship between the giver and the receiver. However, if the recipient is a chef or someone passionate about cooking, gifting a knife can be a meaningful gesture.

Choose a safe and suitable knife and convey your emotions through this gift. The truth is, a carefully chosen knife can still be a practical and thoughtful gift, symbolizing care and affection between the giver and the receiver.


  1. Combs or Brushes

Combs are common items, so they are generally not recommended as birthday gifts because they lack uniqueness and significance for the recipient.

However, if you still wish to gift a comb, opt for a special one. For instance, a high-quality detangling comb, a wooden massage comb for relaxation, or a handmade horn comb. Such combs will bring surprise and joy to the recipient.


  1. Towels

It is believed that giving towels as birthday gifts symbolizes parting or surrendering.

However, there are exceptions where towels can still be appropriate gifts. If the recipient is an artist, a unique and high-quality artistic silk towel can be a meaningful gift.

Alternatively, in a special relationship, a traditional or handmade towel can convey emotional sentiments.


  1. Mirrors

Mirrors are generally avoided as birthday gifts due to the belief that they may bring bad luck if broken. Additionally, they are considered too common and lack significance as a special gift.

However, if the recipient is someone who loves home decor or needs a new mirror, gifting one can be a reasonable choice. Consider selecting a beautiful, high-quality mirror to express your feelings.


  1. Photo Frames

When choosing birthday gifts, we often aim for something unique and meaningful, whereas photo frames may be considered too generic. Moreover, some believe it's taboo to gift photo frames on birthdays. One reason is that they may seem too simple or lack significance.

However, if carefully chosen to match the recipient's interests, photo frames can still be a meaningful gift. For example, if the recipient enjoys photography or has a special memory, a photo frame can be perfect.


  1. Cash

Gifting cash on birthdays can be taboo for some people. While cash can help the recipient address urgent financial issues or pursue projects, it may also make them feel uncomfortable or obligated to reciprocate.

Therefore, before deciding to give cash, consider the recipient's circumstances and preferences. If you want to show care and concern, there may be more effective ways, such as giving a gift or an experience.


  1. Black Clothing

Although black clothing may be seen as taboo and not the best choice for birthday gifts, there are exceptions in some cases. Consider the recipient's preferences and style, as well as the party theme, before deciding to gift black clothing.

If the recipient prefers minimalist style or enjoys Gothic or Punk aesthetics, black clothing can still be appropriate.

Alternatively, gifting a black garment with a special logo or image can be a unique and meaningful gift.


Conclusion

In cultural, religious, and personal contexts, perceptions of gifts can vary. What may be deemed appropriate in one place may be considered inappropriate elsewhere. One person may like a gift while another may dislike it.

Therefore, the most important aspect of choosing a birthday gift is understanding the recipient and respecting their values and beliefs. This determines the true significance of the gift, rather than rigid rules often passed down orally.

Through Chus' article, we hope you gain a better understanding of birthday gifts considered taboo and the truth behind them. To select a truly meaningful and unique birthday gift, don't forget to visit Chus for a variety of high-quality gift options carefully curated from Vietnamese artisans!