Gifts and gift-giving culture

The biggest occasion by far is Lunar New Year, when people take hampers of tea, sweets and fruit to their parents, in-laws and bosses. Weddings and housewarmings come next, though at those most guests simply hand over cash in an envelope, which sounds cold but is actually considerate, because it helps the couple cover the cost of the party. Teachers' Day and birthdays matter too, especially among younger people. On price, I don't think expensive means better, and sometimes it means worse. A very costly present can put the receiver under an obligation to return something equal, and in a business setting it starts to look like a bribe. What people remember is evidence that you paid attention: a friend once gave me a secondhand copy of a novel I'd mentioned months earlier, and it meant more than any gadget could have. That said, I wouldn't pretend price is irrelevant. Turning up at a close friend's wedding with a token gift when you can clearly afford more would be read as an insult. As for how things are changing, convenience is taking over. People now send digital vouchers or have flowers delivered through an app without ever seeing them. I can see that continuing, but I also notice a counter-trend among my friends towards giving experiences, such as a cooking class or concert tickets, instead of objects that end up in a drawer.