From Disastrous to Delightful: My Ranking of 10 Wedding Gifts

A wedding or birthday gift isn't merely assessed by its price tag; it mirrors the depth of the giver's connection to the recipient. The effort and thoughtfulness invested in finding a personalized gift are what truly matter.

Cash finds itself in the middle of our ranking. For some, it might be the ideal gesture, while for others, it could come across as a lack of effort in crafting something personal and meaningful for the celebrant or the couple.

Ultimately, a great gift is one that you genuinely love or have been eagerly anticipating. Preferences vary widely, as the saying goes, "everything is relative."

Nevertheless, I’ll give it a go, starting from the least impressive to the most coveted.

10. The Gift with Strings Attached

Imagine being presented with a pet—a cat, dog, or hamster—when you have a hectic travel schedule or suffer from allergies. While pets are just one example, this category includes anything that introduces discomfort or additional responsibility into your life.

These gifts might seem thoughtful at first, but they can quickly become a source of stress and inconvenience.

9. The Stingy Gift

Picture this: a well-off acquaintance shows up and hands you a keychain worth only a coffee or a cheap board game. In these moments, you might think it would have been better if they had brought nothing at all. However, if a person facing genuine financial difficulties gave you the same modest gift, it would likely be received with understanding, especially if it had personal significance.

This category also includes those who gift used, unnecessary, or outdated items that have been gathering dust (not antiques, but items the giver doesn’t even want, like a set of towels or a plastic sugar bowl bought years ago from a discount store).

8. The Unnecessary Gift

Despite their potentially high cost, are obviously unnecessary for you. For instance, receiving an expensive perfume or a piece of clothing that doesn’t suit you at all. The fate of such a gift is quite predictable — you’ll likely end up re-gifting it or selling it on an online platform.

7. Money

Yes, money is often one of the most desired gifts. It allows the recipient to choose what they truly want or, by combining several "envelopes," buy something more significant. However, money can also hurt if the recipient feels that you opted to save time on finding a thoughtful gift idea. As mentioned earlier — it’s all relative.

6. Emotional Gifts

These gifts might include a performance by artists, a fireworks display, or a certificate for a skydiving jump. One memorable example is when someone I know received a meeting with his mother, who lived in another country and whom he hadn't seen in years, as a birthday gift.

5. Mobile Phones

This gadget has become an indispensable part of our daily lives. That's why the fifth spot on our list goes to it and other electronic devices. I think anyone would be thrilled to receive the latest model of a mobile phone. The only thing the giver should consider is the recipient's platform preference—whether they use an iPhone or an Android.

4. Investments/Shares

Interesting gifts are those with potential for future growth—let's call them investment gifts. These might include stocks, bonds, precious metals, or antiques. For example, sometimes babies receive an investment account for their birthday, with the hope that it will grow into a substantial sum by the time they reach adulthood, potentially covering college tuition. Beyond their material value, these gifts embody a wish for future prosperity and well-being.

This category also includes gifts for collectors. However, finding the perfect gift in this realm requires significant time and effort from the giver. If you manage to choose something the collector has long desired but couldn't acquire for one reason or another, your thoughtful gift will undoubtedly be deeply appreciated.

3. Jewellery

Jewelry, particularly pieces made from silver, gold, or platinum and adorned with precious stones, is always a coveted gift. Such items often bring special joy, especially to women. In many cultures around the world, particularly in Eastern traditions, it is customary to adorn brides with gold from head to toe. And of course, our women are no different, remembering well who their "best friends" are—diamonds, as Marilyn Monroe famously sang

2. Travel

Travel is also one of the most appealing gifts for a wedding or birthday. The anticipation of a journey, the excitement of new encounters, and the allure of exploring new countries and cities often bring joy to many. However, this gift is best suited for those who love to travel and are not constrained by limiting circumstances.

1. Cars and Real Estate

These gifts are quite rare due to their high cost, but they are certainly worth mentioning.

On the few occasions I've witnessed the presentation of keys to a new apartment or car, the impact was unforgettable. One memorable instance was a boy’s birthday when a very wealthy guest handed over the keys to an expensive car with the words, “You won’t be able to drive for another five years, but I want you to know that a luxury car is already waiting for you in the garage.” Needless to say, the parents were overjoyed, as you can imagine.

So...

Of course, all rankings are subjective. What is a lifelong dream for one person might be a burden for another. Our tastes, passions, and preferences evolve over time. That bicycle or pet we longed for in childhood might no longer hold the same value for us today. As the saying goes, "A spoon is only useful at mealtime." Therefore, the best gift for each of us is something we are dreaming of right now.

On my part, I wish you only the most desired gifts and, of course, always getting it right with what your loved ones and friends wish to receive!