What Birthday Gifts Should You Avoid?

According to research from leading etiquette experts, gifts like knives, combs, towels, and mirrors are often considered "taboo." However, the reality is that these items can become meaningful gifts when they align with the recipient's preferences and needs.

Instead of worrying about "bad omens," focus on understanding the recipient's genuine interests and practical needs. So, what are these supposedly taboo gifts, and how can you transform "sensitive" items into meaningful presents? Let's explore this guide from CHUS!

Why Do Gift-Giving "Taboos" Exist?

These gift-giving superstitions have deep roots and scientific backing:

• Complex Social Exchange: According to the gift economy model by Mauss and Malinowski, gift-giving carries implicit signals about relationships, power, and connection. Every gift represents some form of message.
• Cultural Origins: Traditions and beliefs from various cultures create these taboos, with each item carrying a specific symbolic message.
• Linguistic Factors: Research on Chinese linguistics shows that "homophones" create superstitions - like the number "4" sounding similar to "death." Knives = "cutting ties," towels = "farewell," broken mirrors = "misfortune." These concepts influence gift selection and vary across languages and cultures.

Many people wonder whether traditionally taboo gifts should actually be given as presents

 

However, in modern reality, gift-giving taboos serve merely as reference points, not rigid rules. Understanding these traditions not only helps you choose gifts more thoughtfully but also demonstrates consideration for others' feelings. Let's explore further in the next section! 

7 Taboo Birthday Gifts and Debunking Myths

Based on surveys and research, particularly from expert Carol M. Olmstead, here are the items considered taboo for birthday gifts.

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.

Knives, scissors, and sharp objects require careful consideration when using and gifting

But if the recipient is a chef or someone passionate about cooking, knives and scissors can still become meaningful gifts. Choose appropriate, safe tools for the recipient and convey your feelings through this gift.

The truth is, knives and scissors can be useful, practical gifts when chosen carefully, becoming symbols of care and love between giver and receiver.

When to Give Knives and Scissors as Birthday Gifts

• The recipient is a chef, bartender, or craftsperson
• They need to upgrade their work tools
• You understand their preferences and needs well

>>> Read more: Is Gifting Knives a Bad Omen? When and How to Gift Them Right

2. 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. Moreover, many cultures view combs as symbols of separation or dissolution...

>>> Learn more about this gift: What does Should You Give Hair Brush or Comb as Gift for Your Lover?a comb to your lover mean? Should you or shouldn't you?

However, if you still want to give a comb, choose a special one. Meaningful comb gift suggestions:

• Wooden massage combs for stress relief
• Handcrafted buffalo horn combs for handmade item lovers
• High-quality detangling combs for people with long hair

Combs with special materials or functions still make suitable birthday gifts

3. Handkerchief

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

When towels become excellent gifts:

• If the recipient is an artist, a unique and high-quality artistic silk handkerchief or scarf can be a meaningful gift.
• Alternatively, in a special relationship, a traditional or handmade handkerchief can convey emotional sentiments.

Artistic silk scarves make suitable birthday gifts

4. 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.

Macrame wall mirrors and unique handcrafted embroidered mirrors

Consider these beautiful mirror options for birthday gifts

5. 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.

Give custom chibi picture frames for birthdays

6. 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.

Cash is a sensitive gift type

>>> Get detailed insights at: Should you give money as a birthday gift?

7. 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.

Black clothing still makes suitable birthday gifts for those who love this color

>>> You might be interested: 7 Gifts You Shouldn't Give Your Partner and What You Need to Know

How to Transform "Taboos" into Meaningful Gifts?

In reality, no gift is truly "taboo" if you understand the recipient well. A quality knife can be an invaluable tool for a chef, while a handmade towel can symbolize deep friendship.

Guide to choosing gifts that overcome "taboos":

• Understand the recipient deeply: Observe daily preferences, lifestyle, and what they truly need. A cooking enthusiast will appreciate a quality knife set more than worry about bad omens.
• Prioritize quality and origin: Choose handmade products from Vietnamese artisans instead of industrial goods. The story behind the gift will overshadow any "taboos."
• Personalize the gift: Add names, messages, or custom designs. When gifts bear personal touches, they become unique and irreplaceable.
• Respect cultural context: Understand the recipient's views on "taboos." If they don't believe in them, you can confidently give the gift.
• Focus on practical value: Emphasize usefulness and emotional meaning rather than worrying about symbolic significance. Useful gifts are always appreciated.
• Include sincere messages: Explain why you chose this gift so recipients understand your feelings and thoughts. Honest messages can resolve any misunderstandings.

Include cards with gifts to make every present meaningful

Minh Anh (36 years old): "There are too many different opinions about each gift, and any giving style can cause misunderstandings. That's why I always include cards explaining the gift's meaning. This way, both parties don't need to worry about each other's feelings."

Conclusion

"What not to give for birthdays" might be a difficult question to answer. In different cultural, religious, and personal preference contexts, gift perceptions can vary. A gift considered appropriate in one place might be taboo elsewhere. One person might love a gift while another dislikes 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 birthday gifts for many targets, by age, carefully curated from Vietnamese artisans!

FAQs

• What shouldn't give as birthday gifts?
  No gifts are truly "forbidden" if they suit the recipient. However, avoid giving knives, mirrors, scarves, regular combs, cash, and black clothes unless you understand their preferences and needs well.
• Why shouldn't you give knives or scissors as birthday gifts?
  Knives and scissors are believed to symbolize "cutting" relationships. However, if the recipient is a chef or artisan, high-quality knives make very meaningful gifts.
• Is it really taboo to give mirrors as birthday gifts?
  Old beliefs suggest broken mirrors bring bad luck. In reality, handmade mirrors with beautiful designs are suitable gifts for interior design enthusiasts.
• What does giving scarves as birthday gifts mean?
  Scarves were once considered symbols of "farewell." However, artistic silk scarves or handmade embroidered scarves show thoughtful care and high value.
• Sản phẩm handmade có thực sự tốt hơn quà tặng công nghiệp?
  Có. Sản phẩm handmade mang câu chuyện, tình cảm và tính độc đáo mà hàng công nghiệp không có. Chúng thể hiện sự quan tâm sâu sắc và trân trọng người nhận.