What to give for New Year?

New Year is one of the oldest holidays. It was celebrated by the ancient Egyptians, Babylonians, and Persians. The dates varied – before our era, New Year was celebrated from March to October, and we got the tradition of giving gifts from the ancient Romans. Having become pioneers in this field, the Romans celebrated the New Year in March, and later the famous Gaius Julius Caesar introduced the Julian calendar. It was according to this calendar that New Year began to be celebrated on January 1, starting from 46 BC.

How to give gifts well

Initially, the inhabitants of the city on seven hills gave each other gold coins with the image of Janus (January, by the way, is named after this mythical god). Later, laurel branches were added to the coins, symbolizing happiness and good luck, and the prototypes of modern New Year's cards - various materials with wishes for good and prosperity written on them.

Over time, people stopped limiting themselves to laurel branches and coins and began to give their loved ones any gifts. And since it was customary to have fun on New Year's Eve for both slaves and their owners, people of different classes began to exchange gifts.

This seemed not enough to the Romans and they began to give the emperor presents. At first, such offerings were completely voluntary, but later the emperor began to demand gifts from his subjects. And Caligula surpassed everyone, recording on New Year's Eve in the palace square who gave what and how much.

There was also a positive side to this story: for example, the aforementioned Julius Caesar granted freedom to one of the slaves, who wished the great ruler to live longer in the new year than in the previous one =)

New Year's gifts: creative ideas

Without knowing the recipient of the gift, it's difficult to give advice, so we won't recommend specific items, but we'll offer a couple of general ideas.

Handmade

Handmade gifts will always be successful and appropriate. First, the giver will put their heart and soul into such a thing, and second, their cost can vary from minimal and affordable to high, when using exclusive materials, techniques, and tools.

Packaging

The last thing that comes to mind is gift wrapping. Often, so much effort, time, and money is spent on choosing the gift itself that one simply doesn’t get around to its appearance. And in vain! After all, it is by the clothes that one is greeted, as is known. So, stop running to the store for a regular package and wrap the gift yourself. There are many ideas on the Internet on this topic. Using improvised materials, you can create an original design and please your loved ones.

New Year's treats

At this point, you again cannot do without handwork. The 21st century drives people crazy with its frantic pace of life, and for us it is much more usual to run to the supermarket for dinner and to the confectionery for cakes than to surprise our relatives with culinary masterpieces of our own preparation. This is why homemade delicacies become twice as pleasant and tasty. Here you will find recipes from the Internet or an old notebook, and you can pack unusual treats guided by the previous point =)

Jokes

This item of the plan with a semi-slang name is able to combine all those nice little things that people rarely buy for themselves. And here it is not about the cost, nor about the quality. The idea of such a gift is to choose a nice souvenir that suits the recipient of the gift. Rely on the person's activities, his interests and your common jokes. And, of course, refuse to buy the 25th photo frame or statuette!

Winter things

Traditionally, New Year is associated with snow, frost, and home comfort. And in order for the recipient of the gift to fully experience all the charms of winter, you can choose such winter gifts as a blanket, warm clothes, slippers, a thermos or a thermos mug.

Books

Previously, a book was considered the best gift. We believe that now it is undeservedly forgotten and crossed out of the top wish lists. Comments are superfluous here, today you can choose any book - a new product, a bestseller, a classic or a completely rare item at the flea market. Any language, budget and genre - a great gift and an alternative to tasteless Chinese souvenirs.

And if you think that the days of paper books have sunk into oblivion, then choose an electronic gadget.

To order

The great meaning of the subtitle contains everything that your imagination is capable of. The main rule is exclusivity and an individual approach. Here you can exercise your imagination and set a budget limit. The choice is huge - from a postcard to jewelry. The only requirement: the recipient must understand that no one else has such a gift and it was made especially for him.

Money

Yes, banal. Yes, simple. But universal and unpretentious. When giving money, take care of at least a beautiful envelope or a special card. And although money is a popular, pleasant and expected gift, it has little New Year's magic. So, if you have no ideas at all, it is better to choose a gift certificate . Their variety and denominations always allow you to choose the appropriate option for the appropriate amount.

What should not be given as a gift?

Shower gels and shampoos

This universal gift for any holiday is completely devoid of New Year's charm. And although marketers try to create interesting sets in beautiful packaging, we believe that this is not the best choice.

Frying pans

And any other kitchen utensils. Of course, such gifts should not be taboo, but it is necessary to be careful when choosing. If the recipient of the gift likes to cook, then such an item will be appreciated. And if just a frying pan became the first "feminine" gift that came to mind, then think 100 times =)

Rings and other jewelry

There is no prohibition here either. However, please note that the recipient of the gift may misjudge your gesture. Such gifts are appropriate only for close people whose tastes you know and who will not be mistaken in their expectations of your plans.

Champagne and candies

Classics can become a bad habit, especially if you give the same gastronomic sets to the same people year after year. Maybe it's time to change something?! And not for cognac with pineapples =)

Little things

Frames and figurines are "suitcases without handles." They will only gather dust and clutter up the home of the recipient of such a gift. It's always a shame to throw them away, remembering the touching moment of presentation, but there's no strength to keep them any longer.

Sharp objects

A good Swiss Army knife or kitchen models are great gifts. But don't forget about their "bad" reputation as presents. There are many bad omens associated with such gifts. We won't discuss superstitions, just remind you: you may not believe in all this, but the recipient may think differently and be upset.

Watches

Traditionally, giving a watch as a gift is considered another bad omen. Although if you ask for some money in return, the evil spell should be dispelled =)

Empty wallet

It even sounds scary, you'll agree =) It doesn't look very good either, so when choosing a purse or wallet, put one or more banknotes of any appropriate denomination inside.

Candy for children

Believe me, during the month of New Year's holidays, Saint Nicholas, Santa Claus, relatives, and organizers of New Year's events give children so many sweets that they would last them a whole year. The exceptions may be natural candied fruits, nuts, marmalade, and, for example, marshmallows.

New Year's gifts from ETHNOHATY

You can see gift options from ETNOHATY in our holiday selection. But whatever you choose, remember that the most important gift will be love, a friendly attitude towards loved ones and a sincere wish for prosperity in the New Year.

Clothing

Accessories and souvenirs