Gift Without Messages: Is It Thoughtless? The Truth Revealed

An Ipsos survey (2025) reveals that 58% of respondents believe gifts with handwritten messages leave a deeper impression - yet giving birthday gifts without messages isn't always "thoughtless," depending on the context.

The most important aspect is the meaning behind the gift-giving action, not just the external appearance. So when does lacking a message become tactless, and how can you remedy it? This article from CHUS will help you navigate these situations!

Is Giving Birthday Gifts Without Messages Thoughtless?

Not necessarily. Giving birthday gifts without messages can be considered thoughtless depending on the context and relationship. In some cases, it shows lack of consideration, but sometimes it's due to forgotten wishes or wanting the gift to speak for itself. What matters most is the meaning behind the action, not just the form.

1. When Is Not Including a Message Considered Thoughtless?

According to social psychology research, lacking birthday wishes when giving gifts can be perceived as thoughtless in these situations:

• Close relationships: Partners, spouses, and best friends expect emotional expression through written words
• Important special occasions: Milestone birthdays (18, 30, 50), first birthday after marriage
• High-value gifts: The more expensive the gift, the more the recipient expects an accompanying message
• Family culture: Some families value the tradition of writing birthday greeting cards

A solitary gift may disappoint the recipient

2. When Is Not Having Wishes Acceptable?

However, giving birthday gifts without messages doesn't always carry negative meaning:

• Gifts that carry their own message: Like personalized artwork with the recipient's name or handmade items with special significance
• Direct giving with spoken words: When you hand-deliver and speak wishes directly
• Professional relationships: Colleagues and clients typically don't expect personal messages
• Special circumstances: Urgent delivery, giving through a third party, or time constraints

>>> Read more: Forgot Your Best Friend’s Birthday Gift? 15+ Thoughtful (and Fast!) Ways to Make It Right

Why Are Birthday Wishes Important When Giving Gifts?

Birthday Wishes Are the "Soul" of the Gift

Research from University of Bath shows that birthday gifts with personal messages create "vicarious pride" - indirect pride that makes recipients feel more deeply cared for.

Birthday wishes demonstrate:

• Special attention and care
• Time spent thinking about the recipient
• Desire to share positive emotions
• Effort to personalize the gift

Messages accompanying gifts make the intention clearer

2. Psychological Impact of Missing Messages

According to the Ipsos survey (2025), 58% of respondents affirm that gifts with handwritten messages help presents stand out more and leave deeper impressions. When receiving birthday gifts without wishes, recipients may:

• Feel the gift is "invisible," lacking emotional connection
• Think you gave mechanically, without sincerity
• Question your level of care for them
• Feel treated with less respect, especially in close relationships

Carefully wrapped gift boxes with cards overflow with love

How to Write Meaningful Birthday Wishes

Thoughtful birthday gifting involves not just the present but also the accompanying message:

1. Sincere Over Flowery

Thoughtful birthday gifting begins with writing genuine wishes. Instead of elaborate, complex phrases, choose simple words that come from the heart.

Examples of sincere wishes:

• "Wishing you good health and lots of laughter!"
• "Hope you have many joys in the new year!"
• "Wishing you love and happiness always!"

Avoid overly embellished phrases like:

• "Wishing you a birthday filled with brilliant radiance..."
• "May your new year shine like the sun, be strong like a lion, beautiful like a fairy..."

Wish well, don't over-wish - choose moderate, pleasant wishes

>>> Read more: What are The Best Deep Yet Non-Cheesy Birthday Wishes For 2025?

2. Personalize According to Relationship

The best wishes mention specific details, shared memories, or unique traits of the recipient. This shows you truly care and remember them.

Effective personalization methods:

• Mention shared memories: "Remember when we climbed that mountain together - wishing you stay strong like that!"
• Praise personality traits: "Wishing the girl who's always full of positive energy stays that way!"
• Relate to hobbies: "Hope you find many good books in the new year!"
• Connect to goals: "Wishing you achieve your study abroad dreams soon!"

3. Brief but Profound

Wishes don't need to be lengthy to be meaningful. Usually 1-2 short, carefully chosen sentences create deeper impressions than long paragraphs.

Short wish formula:

• Sentence 1: Specific wish (health, happiness, success)
• Sentence 2: Personal emotion (gratitude, love, appreciation)

Application examples:

• "Wishing you lots of joy in your new age. I'm always proud of you!"
• "Wishing you health and good luck. Thank you for always being there!"

4. Avoid Copying - Write in Your Own Voice

Everyone has their own way of expressing themselves, and that's what makes it special. Instead of copying "template" wishes online, just reference them and adjust with your own tone.

Ways to find your unique voice:

• Think about how you normally talk to that person
• Use familiar words from daily life
• Add "personal touches" like nicknames or common phrases
• Avoid copying verbatim from internet or ready-made cards

Linh (23, Ho Chi Minh City): "Of course I'm happy to receive gifts. But what I extremely look forward to are the messages friends send me. The feeling of receiving good wishes or heartfelt thoughts they carefully wrote makes me feel much more joyful and warm."

Wishes don't need to be long, they need to be authentically you

How to Fix When You've Already Given Gifts Without Messages

1. Send Supplementary Wishes Immediately

If you've given a birthday gift without message and forgot to write wishes, remedy it right away:

• Text afterward: "I forgot to write wishes, but I sincerely hope you have a brilliant new year!"
• Call directly: Explain and express wishes over the phone
• Send a separate card: Write a special card and send it a few days later

2. Turn "Mistakes" into Opportunities

• Give an additional small gift with apology and belated wishes
• Organize a meal to make up for it and show care
• Commit to being more attentive in future occasions

A meeting, a late message is sometimes better than ignoring it

Gifts That Don't Need Messages but Still Meaningful

1. Gifts That Carry Their Own Message

Some birthday gifts inherently contain deep meaning - especially personalized gifts:

• Custom clay portraits: Show clear personalization
• Hidden Message candles: Contain hidden messages
• Dried flower art with wishes: Send wishes right on beautiful flower frames
• Embroidered tote bags with photos and messages: Practical gifts overflowing with love

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2. When Actions Say It All

Sometimes, thoughtful birthday gifting doesn't need written words:

• Handmaking the gift yourself
• Choosing presents that match the recipient's interests perfectly
• Giving at a meaningful moment
• Accompanying with special caring gestures

Some gifts already speak all the love themselves!

Conclusion

So is giving birthday gifts without messages thoughtless? The answer isn't completely "yes" or "no," but depends on specific circumstances. What truly creates a gift's value isn't just the exterior, but the heart and care you dedicate to the recipient.

Have you found your ideal gifting method? Visit CHUS today to freely choose unique birthday gifts and amazing card designs to share your love.

FAQs

• Should you apologize when forgetting to write wishes?
  Should apologize sincerely and naturally, without being overly elaborate. You can say "I forgot to write wishes, but my congratulations are still very sincere" or send a supplementary message afterward.
• Do printed wishes lose their value?
  Không mất giá trị hoàn toàn nhưng kém cá nhân hơn lời viết tay. Quan trọng là nội dung chân thành và phù hợp với người nhận. Lời chúc in máy với font chữ đẹp và thiết kế tâm huyết vẫn rất ý nghĩa.
• When is it unnecessary to have messages?
  When the gift already clearly expresses meaning (personalized birthday cake), corporate gifts to employees, large group gifts, or when giving directly and can speak wishes verbally.
• Can text message wishes replace paper cards?
  Can replace in urgent situations or with young people, but paper cards are still more formal and durable. Best to combine: immediate text for timeliness + paper card sent later to show respect.
• Should you explain why you didn't write wishes?
  Only explain if there's a legitimate reason (too urgent, couldn't find a pen, etc.) and do it naturally. Don't create elaborate excuses as it may backfire and make recipients feel unvalued.