Gifts for special occasions

As well as annual events where gifts are normally given, people often offer gifts on the following special events. Although this list is not exhaustive, it should give you some idea about the more important events where gifts are customarily given:

Gifts for children

Births

It is customary to give a gift to the newborn child of a family member, friend, or colleague. Although intended for the child, this gift is given to the parents, and may be something that they find useful in the upbringing of the child, such as baby clothes or child-care utilities. Keepsakes like photo frames are also common gifts.

Christenings Gifts and Baby Baptisms

Gifts are often given to the child of a friend or family member on the event of their Christening or Baptism, when the child becomes a member of the Christian church. For more information on appropriate Christening gifts, click here.

Other special events

Engagement presents

When a couple become engaged to be married, they usually receive gifts from friends, colleagues, and family members. Traditional presents include household items and money.

Wedding Presents

As with engagements, gifts are customarily given on the marriage of a friend, colleague, or family member. Traditional gifts include household items, money, and presents that will assist the couple in setting up home together. However, the increasingly common practice of cohabitation before marriage may mean that the couple already possess many items that are necessary for living together, so an alternative gift may be required. It is also common for couples to provide a list of presents they would like prior to the wedding. You should check whether such a list exists before purchasing a gift.

House warming gifts

It is customary for people in the UK to give gifts to friends and family who have moved into a new house or flat, whether this residence has been rented or bought. Traditional gifts for such an event include household goods and plants.

Graduation

Gifts are frequently given when a friend or family member graduates from high school, college, or university. Associated events where gifts are sometimes given may include the successful completion of examinations or a driving test.

Religious events

The United Kingdom is a multi-cultural and multi-faith society, and it is important to recognise that not all UK residents celebrate such events as Christmas, Christenings, or Easter, all of which are associated with the Christian faith. It is also important to recognise that different religions have different events (too many to cover here) where gifts are customarily given. For such events, care must be taken to find out what kinds of presents are appropriate, and whether you are personally expected to give a gift.

Miscellaneous Events

Of course, there are numerous other occasions where you may wish to give a present to a friend or relation. Gifts can be given to say thank you for a special favour, to cheer someone up, to wish someone well, or to comfort them in times of sickness.

Click here to view some terrific gift ideas for special occasions.