Unusual Gifting Traditions From Around The World

1. India - Never give cash in even numbers

imagesource/mintGiving cash in India is something that happens on the regular but if you're giving cash as a gift, you should NEVER give it in even numbers. Giving R201 would be infinitely better than giving R500 because it's an uneven amount. It gives it that 'extras strength'.

2. China - Don't gift a sum of money with the number '4' in it

imagesource/dirtyoldcoinsSo when it comes to giving money in China, only new shiny bills should be given, so no wrinkled notes or old dirty coins. Thats a big no no! And if the amount if given with the number 4 in it, you can assume you'll be given it back as this number rhymes with the word meaning 'death'.

3. Saudi Arabia - It's forbidden to buy men gold or silk

imagesource/middleeastmonitorWhen you think of Saudi Arabia, luxurious gifts and gold tend to be what comes to mind...but when you're buying a gift for someone (in particular, men) then it's forbidden to buy them gold and silk as they are forbidden by the Prophet Mohammed, who said, 'Gold and silk are permitted to the women of my nation, forbidden to its men.’ 

4. Italy - Santa doesn't exist... it's a witch instead!

imagesource/twitterSo unlike some countries around the world, kids in Italy don't have Santa. If children are good, they tend to get candy or toys, however, if a child has been naughty, they'll get a lump of coal in their stocking. It is believed that a witch with a long hooked nose and grey hair and crooked teeth sews materials together and leaves them in sacks for the children.

5. Germany - Give sweets in a pair of shoes!

imagesource/grocerygemsShoes probably aren't the first place you would think of stashing your candy but in Germany, St Nick usually drops by for a visit on the 6th of December for an early event called The Feast of St Nicholas. He leaves small pieces of candy and other gifts in children's shoes and when we say 'he' we mean the parents - obvs!

6. Britain - Scratch cards or a lottery ticket

imagesource/theindependentIn Britain, they have a big scratch card and lottery culture, so giving somebody a scratch card or lottery ticket isn't actually the weirdest of gifts. You sometimes find them as a Secret Santa gift or in your stockings at Christmas - with the possibility of the receiver winning a big lump of money.

7. Bolivia - Never gift sharp objects! Or face ruining the whole relationship...

imagesource/twitterOne thing that you should NEVER do is gift someone knives, razors, scissors, anything sharp like that as it can be misinterpreted as a sign that you want you relationship to be a severed. So if you're thinking of getting someone a nice new shaving set...think again.

8. Japan - NEVER buy flowers as a gift

imagesource/thegardenofoxfordSo when you don't know what to get somebody, sometimes its just nice to get them a bunch of flowers, but in Japan it wouldn't be the best idea! In Japan, flowers have their own meaning - lotus blossom, lilies and carnations are all associated with funerals and should definitely be avoided on special occasions.

9. Australia - Communal BBQs

imagesource/xyuandbeyondAt Christmas, you'll see locals around communal BBQs surrounded with big breakfasts in their yards and feasts all around the street with their friends and families. Food themed hampers are shared and appreciated gifts to take to gatherings. Gourmet cheese baskets, exotic fruits and chocolates are usual gifts given at Christmas.

10. Argentina - Avoid gifts with the number 13 in

imagesource/twitterNumbers seem to be a recurring theme with certain countries. The number 13 is considered unlucky in Argentina, like in many other countries. So avoid buying gifts in this denomination as there is a superstition that Argentinians take very seriously.

11. New Zealand - You HAVE to reciprocate a gift

imagesource/peopleIn Maori tradition, if someone does something good to you or for you, you're expected to reciprocate the balance. The reciprocation could come in a form of a gift and Maori gifts usually come in the form of a necklace or a ring etc. Trophies are also given as gifts as well as paintings and carvings.

12. Ireland - Refusing gifts

imagesource/condenasttravellerRefusing a gift tends to be a regular occurrence in Ireland, if you offer a host a gift, don't be surprised if they tell you you shouldn't have! Similarly, if they give you a gift, it shows humility if you refuse it once or twice. It's a very Irish/British thing really...

13. Russia - Giving flowers in uneven numbers is good luck

imagesource/bloomingfloristFlowers also have to be given in uneven numbers as giving flowers to anyone in even numbers are reserved for funerals. If you go to a dinner party or visit a friend, if you're taking them a bunch of flowers, be sure that they're in an uneven number for good good luck.

14. Thailand - Gifts given in sets of 9

imagesource/newyorkmagazineIn Thailand, gifts given in sets of 9 (considered the lucky number in Thailand) are considered to be lucky. This comes from the fact that when spoken aloud in Thai 'nine' ('Gao') sounds similar to the Thai words for 'Moving Forward'.

15. Brazil - Nothing should ever be wrapped in purple

imagesource/celebriciousA gifting tradition you should take very seriously in Brazil is to not wrap anything in purple or buy anything purple. Purple represents mourning in Brazil so steer clear of this colour when it comes to gifting things. It's a no go in this South American country.

16. Singapore - Never bring someone a handkerchief

imagesource/edgarjaromeNow, this is not particularly a gift that would spring to mind to give to anyone. But handing a Singaporean a box of handkerchiefs is supposed to bring the person extremely bad luck, because of the association with tears and sadness.

17. Spain - Giving a bunch of flowers in 13s is seen as good luck

imagesource/tripntravelLike in other countries, flowers are seen as a special gift, but if you are gifting someone flowers, you should never gift them in an even number or the number 13 as giving them in odd numbers is seen as good luck. Flowers are opened as soon as they're received and they're seen as a display of appreciation.

18. Fiji - A Sperm Whales tooth is a great gift

imagesource/paradeantiquesNow this ones a bit out there. A sperm Whale's tooth out there to be exact and it's given to a man's future in-laws when he asks for permission to marry their daughter. It's seen to symbolise good luck and possesses supernatural powers. The whales tooth is an essential part of Fijian gift giving ritual - and it's also a status symbol.

19. Scotland - A lump of coal, or Whiskey are given in Scotland

imagesource/sctoland.orgChristmas in Scotland doesn't particularly come with many traditions, but 'Hogmanay'. A lump of coal, a black bun and a dram of whiskey are all gifts that tend to be given on Hogmanay. Tradition also states that the person coming over the threshold should be a tall, dark man...

20. France - Book are considered thoughtful gifts

imagesource/francetravelinfoIn France, books and music are considered as thoughtful gifts, along with chocolates (doesn't come as much of a surprise), flowers or liqueur (also, doesn't come as much of a surprise). However, saying that, wine is seen as an inappropriate gift and most hosts would prefer to choose their own wine for meals.

21. Kenya - Spitting on a baby's head is a sign of greeting

imagesource/BIDHAARSpit for a blessing! In Kenya, the Maasai people actually spit before giving gifts as it's a sign of blessing. They'll also spit on the head of a new born child, on their hands before they shake and as a sign of a greeting or farewell.

22. Scandinavia - The Danish present their pets with gifts instead

imagesource/etsyBesides sending out cards, the Danish traditionally present their animals with a seasonal treat. Presents are delivered by a Santa like figure called 'Nisse'. The people of Sweden give their 'Nisse' a steaming hot bowl of rice pudding with a melting slice of butter on top and all three countries plus Greenland give treats to their hospitals and nursing homes too! How sweet.

23. Malaysia - Secret Santa is not a thing!

imagesource/imdbMalaysia has some unusual practices regarding gift giving. Corporate gifts are avoided as they're seen as bribes - so no secret Santa for the Christians living in Malaysia. Gifts are never opened immediately after giving them and gifts are usually gift right before departure, instead of giving them upon arrival.

24. Ghana - Hampers are very welcome in Ghana

imagesource/ghanarisingIn Ghana, presents should be wrapped with the right hand and the recipient shouldn't open the gift immediately. When it comes to businesses, gifts are appreciated and clients, vendors and other business associates often receive hampers at Christmas. It's also common to give a donation for a funeral when a colleague or family member dies.

25. Israel - Thank you cards and notes aren't given in Israel

imagesource/amysdesignsThank you cards and notes are not a common part of a gifting custom in Israel. Which is contrary to the way American Jews exchange gifts during Hanukkah, those from or residing Israel won't typically receive gifts from one another.

26. Austria - Wine, cakes and sweets are popular gifts

imagesource/wheelandanchorA bottle of good vintage wine is an ideal gift in Austria and for children, cakes, sweets and gadgets will be considered cool. Pretty usual in most countries around the world! Simple and unpretentious items are great gifts in this European country.

27. Zimbabwe - Verbal reciprocation is given rather than actual gifts

imagesource/unforgettablegiftsIf you're in Zimbabwe, it's not uncommon to be asked directly for a gift. You should never refuse a gift when it's been offered to you, even if the family giving it you is starving and poor. Gestures of thanks are preferred over verbal reciprocation - whistling, dancing and jumping up and down are all traditional gestures.

28. Egypt - Gifts are wrapped twice

imagesource/pintrestWhen wrapping your gifts to get ready to give them out, in Egypt, the tradition states that you should wrap your gifts twice in two different colours. So if you're ever giving gifts in Egypt or receiving any, expect them to be wrapped twice.

29. South Africa - Books, soap or even a nice suit for church are seen as good gifts

imagesource/cologne&cottonIf you're in South Africa, gifts tend to be limited to birthdays and Christmas so if you're staying in South Africa, it's best to buy gifts with a practical purpose. Books, soap, attire or a nice suit to wear to church might be a good idea.

30. Turkey - Coins are given at weddings

imagesource/goturkiyeA long standing Turkish wedding tradition is to give coins. The guests with gift the bride and groom with gold coins, in small, medium and large sizes, according to their relationship with the couple. Some will place a bag of coins upon the brides dress or in a special bag.