When to Give Gifts
Although they do not typically celebrate birthdays or Christmas in Japan, this has become more popular due to strong influences from the West in recent years. Younger generations in particular are observing these occasions more and more.
âOchugen' occurs during summer, in the middle of the year, and gifts are given as a sign of gratitude to others. âOseibo' occurs in December and is seen as a sign of indebtedness. The gifts are normally food or alcohol related â given to family members, close friends and colleagues. This is in keeping with the Japanese custom of Giri â a kind of obligation or duty.
Traditions
It is crucial to follow certain traditions in terms of Japanese gifting etiquette:
⢠It is important to give and receive gifts with both hands; a sign of respect
⢠When receiving a gift, one ought to modestly refuse the present up to three times before finally accepting
⢠It is considered rude to give a present to only one person when in a group of many people
⢠It is also seen to be rude if one opens a gift in front of a large group of people
⢠To give a gift at the beginning of any meeting or encounter is deemed to be a way of rushing proceedings. Presents should always be proffered at the end
One superstitious quirk in Japan relates to numbers. Giving a gift in pairs is seen to be extremely lucky, whereas offering four or nine of anything is seen to be unlucky and is best avoided.
It is common to give money as a wedding gift which should be offered in an odd number. If an even number of money is given, this is seen to be easily divided between the couple and so brings about superstition that the pair might split.
It's All in the Presentation
How a gift it is presented is just as important as what is inside; along with bows, ribbon and beautiful paper, it is also customary to present gifts in cloths which can be re-used.
These are known as Furoshiki (originally meaning bath spread â as they were used in ancient times to wrap a bather's clothes) and have been a way to wrap and conceal gifts for a long time in Japan.
The colour of a gift's presentation is just as important as how you present it. Pastel colours are best, as red is most commonly associated with funerals or sexuality and bright colours are thought to be ostentatious.
Other Occasions
This dates back to the Edo period when a lucky few would go on pilgrimages and bring back souvenirs for the villagers who weren't able to go. Because of this custom there are many âOmiyage' shops in Japan, which specialise in tourist and souvenir gifts.
It is also quite common for women to gift men chocolates on Valentineâs Day. The day was first introduced in Japan in 1936 and has since developed into a tradition: women offer out chocolates to all their male friends and co-workers, with their favourite receiving the best and most chocolate.
Unpopular males aren't quite so lucky â receiving a sparse amount of the cheapest chocolate. On March 14, known as a âreply day', men are then expected to return a gift of at least three times the value. Oftentimes this will be jewellery. If a male were not to return the gift, it would be seen as an indication that he considers himself above his female friend.
Lastly, we come to the tradition of O-kaeshi, simply a gift to say thank you. These are given commonly at weddings or parties and should normally be half the price of the original gift.
Old Forester Rye Whisky
One of the best-value rye whiskeys on the market, Old Forester Rye Whisky is made of 65% rye, 20% malted barley, and 15% corn, leading to rich floral notes blending with the typical rye spice characteristics.
Sagamore Spirit Cognac Finish Rye
Makerâs Mark Wood Finishing Series 2022 Limited Release: Stave Profile RC6
The newest special edition from Makerâs Mark is a super limited release â only 255 barrels of the stuff were produced. The name of the stave refers to the proprietary wood stave inserted into the barrels. The staves work to bring out the fruitier notes of the whiskey and balance the spice characteristics.
Widow Jane The Vaults 14 year
The first in the companyâs new âThe Vaultsâ annual line of whiskeys that feature the oldest and rarest from the company, this is a 14-year and older Tennessee and Indiana bourbon drawn from 20 barrels hand-selected and blended. Look for tobacco, vanilla, brown sugar, and some menthol notes.
Bourbon Batch 2022-04 âBeaten Biscuits'
Named after the small, cracker-like biscuits Booker Noe used to make, the final release from Bookerâs in 2022 is 6 years, 6 months, and 19 days old with oak on the nose with caramel sweetness and a hint of spice on the palate.
Jefferson's Ocean Aged At Sea Cask Strength
George Dickel Bottled in Bond
This whiskey won Whiskey Advocateâs Whiskey of the Year 2022 for a reason. A 13-year-old Tennessee whiskey, it is 100 proof and costs a mere $36 bucks. Expect a mix of softness and intensity, with plenty of caramel apple, toffee, and dark chocolate flavors.
Virginia Distillery Company Prelude: Courage & Conviction
Coming ahead of the launch of the distilleryâs flagship American single malt whiskey, Courage & Conviction, early next year, Prelude is also a single malt and is made from 100% malted barley and aged a minimum of three years in Sherry, cuvĂŠe, and bourbon casks. Expect oak, fig, dried fruit, and caramel notes.
Cragganmore 12 Year Old
Distilled in 2006, this Speyside malt whisky is known for its particularly entrancing aromas above all. Both sweet and savory on the nose, youâll find apple pie and leather in almost equal parts. The palate is slightly sweet with a little smokiness and with spice notes throughout.
Aberlour Aâbunadh Alba
The first batch of this expression from Aberlour, Aâbunadh Alba (a-boon-ack alba, if you were wondering how to say it) is a derivation from the Sherry cask aging that Aberlour is known for. Instead, this takes insapiration from American whiskeys with a decidedly more bourbon-like profile.
Tod & Vixen Gin
Created by master distiller Roselyn Thomson, star bartenders Jeffrey Morgenthaler and Leo Robitschek, and the late Gary âGazâ Regan, Tod & Vixen Gin was designed to be a gin that could function as a base for a wide variety of cocktails â in other words, a bartenderâs gin. Youâll find big juniper notes and a mix of the other seven botanicals, a variety of other bold flavors.
Benhamâs Barrel Finished Gin
Finished in Zinfandel barrels, this gin is a bold option for those looking for Juniper flavors that are a little heavier. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom juxtapose the floral juniper and other citrus notes of the gin.
Copper & Kings American Craft Apple Brandy
A leading distillery when it comes to American brandy, this release from Copper & Kings is a solera-blended copper pot-distilled brandy matured in a 90-10 mix of bourbon barrels and new white oak with a medium char. Look for honey and toasted oak on top of cooked apple flavors on the palate.
DiplomĂĄtico Planas Rum
While it is clear-ish in color, Planas is actually an aged sipping rum that has sat for anywhere between two and six years, which is then charcoal filtered to strip all of the color from the product (much like crystalino tequila). What you are left with is a clear rum that packs much of the flavor gained from time spent in a barrel.
Chairmanâs Reserve The Forgotten Casks Rum
Named, as the story goes, because the casks were recently uncovered after being lost for a time due to being moved after a fire, this rum from Saint Lucia is a spicy spirit with hearty coffee and dry dark chocolate flavors. Youâll find more coffee, toffee, and some vanilla on the palate.
Headwind Vodka
Made in Portland, Oregon to be an expression of the Pacific Northwest, Headwinds Vodka is crafted using grain spirit that is then filtered with pure Oregon water. Each bottle comes with a wooden wrap that is as different from the next bottle as snowflakes.
CĂŽroc White Grape
The newest limited edition release from French producer CĂŽroc, White Grape is the adult equivalent of Welchâs white grape juice that most people probably had at some point as children. Rich white grape flavors are enhanced with fresh floral notes and just enough sweetness for a smooth pour.
Nosotros Reposado Tequila
While most tequilas either come from the highlands or lowlands of the starte of Jalisco, Nosotros is a blend of both, offering up both the peppery notes of lowland agave with the sweeter, more tropical flavors of highland tequila.
Montelobos Tobala Mezcal
Made from Tobala agave (as opposed to Blue Weber, which must be used to make tequila), this release from Montelobos is rich in lemon and fresh green pepper on the nose, with more citrus, some nutty flavors, and truffle on the palate.
Apologue Saffron Spiced Liqueur
With the base of this liqueur being the worldâs most expensive spice, saffron, this offering from Chicagoâs Apologue is bright, fresh, citrusy, and spicy all at once thanks to the addition of ingredients like cardamom, coriander, lemongrass, and more.
Congratulations Gifts For Men
Congratulation Gift Ideas For Your Friend: Thinking of brotastic gift ideas to congratulate your friend? Then BroCratesâ Congratulations Gifts For Men are just the thing you need find the perfect bro-approved gift for your bud! With a curated selection of the finest liquor flanked by equally snazzy barware and gourmet treats encased in our Macho Gift Crates, heâs sure to think of you during the good times!
Congratulation Gift Ideas For Your Dad: Always in a fix when it comes to choosing the perfect gift for your dad? Say kudos to your main dude with BroCratesâ Congratulations Gifts For Dad. Whether he got a promotion at work or nailed that business pitch to his investors, your dad is sure to feel proud of his achievements with our Congratulations Gift Crates.
Congratulation Gift Ideas For Your Boyfriend: Looking for a great gift to congratulate your husband or boyfriend? BroCratesâ Congratulations Gifts For Him are the perfect way to indulge your man with the best of brews and gourmet treats. With the choicest spirits and mantastic treats hitting all the right spots, we think your man will fall in love with you all over again.
Congratulation Gift Ideas For Your Brother: Canât think of ways to tell your brother that heâs a Rockstar? BroCratesâ Congratulations Gifts For Men might just be what you need to do the talking. Brimming with the finest liquor and choicest grubs, these Gift Crates make for the perfect gifts for your brother and are sure to score you the front seat on your next bro-trip!
When thinking of the perfect graduation gifts for him, there are endless options. This list will help you narrow down your search to the top fifty coolest graduation gift ideas.
Marking the momentous occasion is so important, and a great way to do that is with a well thought out and useful gift. You want to give him something that is useful, fun, and memorable. Taking his tastes and needs into consideration is a great way to start your cool gift search. Keep that in mind as you have fun finding that perfect gift.
Jump to Gift Ideas
50 Great Graduation Gifts for Him to Say Congratulations
Graduations are an important time in a manâs life. It marks a new era and, often, some big changes. Finding the perfect gift for such a special occasion can be tricky, but this amazing list will make it so much simpler.
A few things to consider when looking at all your options of great graduation gifts for him would be when you want to give a cool gift, what sort of tone you would like the gift to have, and how you would like to see him use this useful gift. Some gifts are appropriate before a ceremony so that they can be worn and enjoyed while others are best left for a quiet moment after the mortarboards have settled.
Oftentimes, unique gift idea that will help him establish himself in his profession can be a fun option. Gifts that feel mature can help a high school or college graduate feel as though they are stepping up and out into the world while gifts that are whimsical and childlike can help keep him grounded and lighthearted.
Be sure to have fun looking through this list. You are sure to find an item or two that spark your interest and remind you of your special grad. So many of these items are useful and would make good unisex gift ideas too.
Nature-Inspired Menâs Grooming Kit
This manly themed grooming kit is a great choice for graduation gifts for him. This is great for the man you know enjoys taking care of his personal hygiene â or maybe for someone who you think needs a little help. Either way, this kit will have your graduate friend looking and smelling fabulous and masculine all at once.
Mini Portable Golden Bluetooth Speaker
Everyone loves great tunes, and this gift gives him that in his pocket. Super convenient and very cool, this mini speaker will be enjoyed in his new apartment, during dinner, or wherever. This speaker is smaller than the cell phone that you stream from and easily fits in pockets or bags.
Cool Cork Globe for Destination Dreaming
If your friend happens to be a world traveler or dreams of becoming one, you donât have to look for the best graduation gifts for him because this super cool cork globe is a fun and great grad gift idea for him. The graduate can pin the places he has been in one color and mark his dream destinations in another. This comes available in two sizes to fit his space and your budget.
3D Folded Paper Art Book
âWowâ is the reaction you will receive with this clever and creative gift. Totally customizable and hand folded, this one-of-a-kind piece is an amazing way to display his new graduate title. Much cooler than a diploma, this book can be used as artwork on a shelf at the office or on the mantle at home.
Decorative Wooden Headphone Desk Stand
Many men love their music. If the graduate in your life is serious about his tunes and has forked out the dough for an expensive set of headphones, help him keep them grooving with this personalized stand. With a convenient spot to hold change and keys, this will look great on any desk or nightstand.
Gorgeous Bamboo Congratulations Graduate Card
Cards are always nice to receive, but it can be hard to keep the special ones for years to come. They get bent, folded, and otherwise trashed. This card, with its hard bamboo exterior, is an exception to that rule and makes an excellent keepsake. Just be sure to write something you want remembered!
Funny âF in Examsâ Book
If your guy is a jokester and enjoys a good chuckle, this hilarious book takes real-life wrong answers and compiles them into one joyous romp that will have him thinking, âIâm glad that wasnât me.â With answers from children up through teenagers, this book will have your grad smiling and feeling smart.
Sweet and Memorable Keepsake Keychain
When finding heartfelt graduation gift idea for your favorite graduate, something that he can keep with him and enjoy always is a good idea. When he uses this keychain, he can always think of you and remember how proud you are of him. Choose your own message and leather color for a personalized touch.
Beautiful Navigation-Inspired Photo Scrap Book
Helping preserve memories is a wonderful gift, and this beautiful book is a great way to help get him started. With a lovely dark leather embossed cover, he will be happy to display this book at home. For a personal touch, include a special photo of the two of you when you present it to him.
Leather Cord and Metal Arrowhead Necklace
If you are looking for a piece of jewelry to give as a gift for his graduation, this necklace is a great choice. With masculine features, it will sit well on the neck of any recent grad and exudes a sense of power and strength. Tell him you are proud of him by presenting him this amazing piece.
Adorable Customizable Graduation Teddy Bear
Looking for a special grad gift idea for him? Whether your friend is graduating from kindergarten or college, a sweet commemorative bear is a nice gift. For a younger boy, he can carry it around, cuddle it, and remember how big he is getting. For a grown man, it can be a cute addition to a display or a fun gift for his child.
Antique-Style Engraved Compass and Chain
Now that he has graduated, help guide him on the right path with this lovely compass. Add a personalized note or name to the lid, and on the inside, put the coordinates of your favorite place to be with him. Handcrafted, this graduation present will surely be cherished for years to come.
Mathematical Glassware with Marked Ounces
Whether they graduated with a degree in advanced calculus or not, any recent grad can appreciate a few nerdy but cool glasses. Each glass features a different mathematical property or equation, and they are each conveniently marked with measurements up to four ounces for a perfect pour. For an added bonus, they are each printed in a different color.
Simple and Cool Money Clip
You may not be entirely sure of his plans, but with his new fancy degree you know he will be needing something to keep all his dough together. This classy wallet clip is a good idea for graduation gifts for him. Whenever he sees it, he will remember you. Get it personalized with initials or a short message.
Packed Congratulations to Him Gift Bucket
Each of these fun and thoughtful items will help him on his new journey post-graduation: some coffee, a confident mug, the perfect planner, and some breath mints for that post-coffee breath. With these items, he is all set to take on the world and will know that you care about his success.
Blue and White Nautical Bracelet
This beautiful grad gift idea for him is a great gift idea because this sturdy, masculine bracelet is made from white and blue ropes and features an anchor to hold it together. If the graduate is a sea lover, this ocean-themed bracelet is a great graduation gift. With a small silver touch, this bracelet has a decorative look. Be sure to get his wrist measurements before ordering.
Gorgeous Menâs Necktie Gift Set
Zen Relaxation and Meditation Box
A busy graduate may feel like he has too much on his plate. This mindfulness-focused gift will encourage him to relax and re-center with its calm and soothing sands. It is amazing how soothing it can be to draw delicate patterns in the sand while reflecting on a busy day or a busy life.
Attractive Laser-Engraved Wooden Watch
Wooden watches are becoming more popular, and for good reason. Their natural look goes well with anything, and the varied color options makes them an idea graduation present. This particular watch can feature a laser-engraved inscription in your own handwriting. Write a small inspiring note that he will be read every time he takes off or puts on his watch.
Cool Magnetic Sand Minute Hourglass
Every time you turn this hourglass over, the sands gather magnetically in the bottom chamber to create a very neat stalagmite-style ball. Give it a shake, turn it again, and start the whole thing over. This is a great office gift and also makes for a fun coffee table conversation piece.
Sparkling and Fun Graduation Trinket
Help him commemorate the occasion with this small and magical reminder. With the cap hanging midair, it looks as though it has been thrown into the air and it is slowing falling down along with a magical dusting of golden sparkles. If you are looking for a small, thoughtful, and inexpensive gift, this is a great choice.
Gold âWell Deservedâ Hip Flask Graduation Present
This classy golden hip flask is a great way to celebrate a graduation. At just eight ounces, it is the perfect-sized present. Coming with a liquor funnel, you can be sure that he will never miss a drop, and with a thoughtful engraving, you can remind him to be proud of himself. Pair this with his favorite malt liquor.
Graduation Statuette Featuring a Few Lines
Most of the time, we want to say something meaningful and memorable on special occasions like a graduation. However, sometimes the words can be hard to find in the moment. Instead of trying to come up with words on the spot, why not carefully consider what to say and have it commemorated on this keepsake statuette.
Delicious Air Travel-Ready Champagne Kit
If you need a great gift idea, these carry-on cocktail kits are a new fun trend for air travel. This kit comes with aromatic elderflower, a fancy shaker, and a silver spoon for a high-flying first class experience no matter where your seat may be. All you need to add is the champagne, and your grad will be flying in celebratory style.
Complete Jewelry and Watch Storage Box
Jewelry boxes are traditionally seen as gifts for women; however, every man needs a safe and sturdy place to hold his watches, too. With this sleek box, he can hold up to 12 watches and even keep their faces on display with a clear glass top. A single slide drawer offers storage for his rings and other jewelry.
Gorgeous Bethlehem Olive Wood Pen and Pencil
Made from wood straight out of the Holy Land, this stylish and sophisticated handmade pen and pencil set is fitted with 24k gold. With a simple twisting mechanism, these pens are not only beautiful but easy to use. They come with a display where you can add a congratulatory note (written with your own pen, naturally).
Cute and Sentimental âMy Life So Farâ Journal
Helping friends and loved ones remember the most important and special moments of their lives is a priceless gift. This clothbound journal is full of creative prompts to help record and remember details from your friendâs childhood and beyond. This is the sort of gift someone appreciates more and more as time goes on.
Sophisticated Whisky-Chilling Stones Set
If you are, or if you want to become, a connoisseur of fine liquors, then a set of chilling stones is a must have. Designed to keep drinks cold but not water them down as would happen with traditional ice cubes, these stones are a clever creation. He will be extra grateful if you pair them with a fancy Scotch or whiskey.
Cozy and Long Graduation Socks
Cool and Scientific Genetic Code Rocks Glasses
Even if he didnât graduate with a science degree, he will surely appreciate this cheeky nerd chic glassware. Each glass has the ADH1A genetic coding printed on it. (For those who didnât take genetics, that is the gene that allows humans to metabolize alcohol.) Coming in a set of two, have a toast to this great gene with your buddy.
Aviator Stainless Steel Black Carafe
Not all graduations are from traditional schools. If you have a new pilot in your life, this is the perfect gift for him. This is a great gift for any pilot who loves having a warm drink close at hand. With double-walled steel, this container will keep his drinks nice and hot for a long time.
Hand-drawn 3D Oxford Wall Art
This gorgeous and unique gift idea is a really thoughtful and special way to say congratulations. Whether he attended the famed British university or not, Oxford represents the intellect and high standards of the collegiate world. Or, if you prefer something more personal, you can order a custom design of the city of your choice.
Incredibly Useful Pocket-Sized Multi Tool
If he doesnât already have one of these, he needs one. This amazing tool does so much more than open bottles. Measuring just the same size as a credit card, this tool has 31 incredible different functions including fire starter, spoke wrench, and protractor. This is the perfect small gift idea that packs a big punch.
Laser-Engraved Pakkawood Pocket Knife
If you nedd a unusual gift this could be a great option for you. Pocket knives are a super useful tool. They are the sort of thing you donât realize you need until you wish you had it. Giving this as a graduation gift is a wonderful and thoughtful idea, and getting it personalized makes it even better. At just 4.5 inches when closed, it will easily fit in his pocket wherever he goes.
Stylish Hand-Stamped Tie Clip
This sensible and stylish tie clip comes in gold and silver and can be stamped with whatever you like. Initials are always a good way to keep it simple and classy, or, if you prefer a gift that really commemorates the graduation, you can go for the date. Consider giving this before the ceremony so he can wear it.
Complete Hygiene Kit for the Hard Worker
Although they donât always admit it, men like to have soft skin, too. This kit includes balms, soaps, and lotions that will help protect and improve his scent and his skin. Thanks to the seven different items all in one kit, he will be looking sharp and smelling good in no time.
Wooden Docking Station for Everything
With so many items filling his pockets, it is important to have a place to set everything at the end of a long day. This docking station has space for everything from a smartphone to a watch to sunglasses. Staying organized can be tricky for a new grad, but this premium wooden station is a great start.
Classy and Cool Yoda Wall Art
Keeping Childhood Alive with Doodle Plates
These amazing China plates are printed to look like standard notebook paper and grid paper. Coming with markers, they allow users to design their own masterpiece to represent all their time in school. To set the design, you simply pop them in the oven for thirty minutes and youâve got a personalized China plate.
Special Coordinates and Message Leather Cuff
Menâs jewelry can be tricky, but a leather bracelet is always a good choice. This one comes with an engraved plate where you can include the coordinates of his alma mater or of a place that is special to the two of you. Donât forget to add a special message, too. Though this isn't quite a cheap gift idea, it is an special present for your loved one.
Funny Custom Cartoon Portrait Sketch
This graduation gift is a cheap gift idea that will make your grad feel loved on their graduation day. Made from digital photos, these high-quality prints are a fun and funny way to show your friend you are thinking of him. Since the photo is delivered to you digitally, you can have it printed on anything from blankets to posters. You can even print a copy for everyone at the graduation party!
Sturdy Brown Leather Knotted Bracelet
A bracelet is always a good idea for a cool present for any graduate The knot on this bracelet is called a love knot, and it represents a special bond between the wearer and the giver. Affordable but still very special, this is a great gift to show that you care. With such a simple and elegant design, this would look good on anyone, so consider getting yourself one to match.
Show off your Degree Coffee Mug
This somewhat cheeky gift is a fun way to show off your advanced degree without even having to say a word. If he is a lover of coffee or tea, he will be thrilled to sip out of his new mug. Completing a degree is something to be proud of, so help him shout it to the world with this good gift.
Beautifully Designed Sleek Apple Watch Docking Station
This unusual gift is the perfect graduation gift idea, available in eight different colored woods, this useful and attractive docking stations is a great gift for that high-tech grad. With a space for a smartphone and an apple watch, he will be able to charge his watch easily and with style. You may want to consider where he might put it before choosing a color.
50 Thoughtful Graduation Gifts for Him that Heâll Love
Graduation gifts for him can range from the useful to the commemorative, so try not to over think it. If you see something and think that he would like it, then you should go for it. He will probably love it no matter what it is if it comes with heart and thought behind it.
Also, donât be afraid to stock up on a great graduation gift or two. If you see a few things that catch your eye, hold onto it for later, a good gift can be hard to find. Graduations seem to come up awfully fast, so having on hand a few unique gift idea intended for another grateful grad isnât such a bad idea.