What people usually give for New Year in different countries (11 photos)

There is very little time left until we all start wandering around stores (or delivery sites) in search of suitable gifts. New Year is a family holiday, but gifts are often exchanged with close friends too.





For many, the process of choosing a gift turns into a real headache. After all, you want to surprise your dear people, and not buy goods “according to the list.” Moreover, different countries have their own interesting customs and even rules about what to give for the New Year.

Scandinavia



Since it is customary to celebrate the New Year in new clothes, this is what is usually given as a gift. Beautiful packaging, in which a beautiful sweater or cozy socks are wrapped, is greatly appreciated. It’s not for nothing that the concept of hygge was invented here - leisurely comfort, where there is a crackling fireplace, warm cocoa and beautiful warm mittens, socks or scarves.

France





The French love to present branded clothing, some kind of certificates or souvenirs. Perfume can only be chosen by your husband/wife, as it is considered a very intimate gift and cannot be given to a friend or colleague.

It is perfectly acceptable to accept even an expensive item, such as jewelry, as a gift.

Great Britain



Logical Englishmen are not in the habit of boasting about wealth. They appreciate pleasant, or better yet, useful little things - there is sincerity in this, an expression of warmth and care for a person. These could be candles with pleasant scents for the home, some sets of cutlery, or decorative exquisite dolls.

China



It's simple: the most common gift is money. The main thing is that the envelope with them is red. Since the number two is very symbolic in China, double gifts are not uncommon for the New Year, for example two toys or two mugs. A gift must be meaningful, so in China watches cannot be given as a reminder of how quickly life goes by.

Germany



Germans love to read. Accordingly, in this country a book as a gift is very welcome, especially some rare edition. They also often give surprise travel to other cities or even countries (depending on the financial capabilities of the donor).

India



Hindus love to give homemade gifts because, in their opinion, store-bought goods do not reflect human warmth and care. Knitted mittens, bedspreads or other nice handmade items are very much appreciated.

Italy



A country where fashion plays a big role, you can’t do without high-quality and expensive accessories. On New Year's Day, residents of the country give branded bags, ties, perfume or wallets to friends and relatives.

And in a number of regions there is an interesting tradition: before the sun rises on January 1, you need to collect clean water from the spring and bring it to the house. Along with this clean water, an olive branch is given, symbolizing happiness.

USA



In America, Christmas is a very important holiday. It is one of the most celebrated holidays of the year and the country has become a leader in buying expensive gifts for Christmas and New Year.

From sweaters to expensive perfume or handbags. Moreover, it is interesting that in our country, for example, it is customary to peel off the price and remove the receipt, while in America it is specially attached to a gift so that a person can return the gift to the store if he does not like it or exchange it for another.

Japan



The best gift in the Land of the Rising Sun is considered to be a bamboo rake. It is they, according to tradition, who rake in happiness. The rake is of course decorated with various inscriptions or drawings. But they don’t give bouquets - this is a real insult to the Japanese, since only members of the imperial family give bouquets for the New Year.

Portugal



Just like the Indians, the Portuguese value handmade gifts. Here, before the New Year, almost every home knits some kind of shawls, napkins, carves wooden dishes, candlesticks, and even embroiders large tapestries.