Money and gifts given as a celebration of the birth of a child are generally called "baby gifts." Birth is a big event for the family, and it is also a once in a lifetime event for the baby. Because it is such an important occasion, it is important to know the basic etiquette so as not to be rude. In this article, we will explain the average price range and etiquette for baby gifts.

■What is the average price for a baby gift?

If you are giving a baby gift in cash, the standard amounts are as follows:

・Family members, relatives, etc.: 10,000 to 30,000 yen

・Friends, coworkers, etc.: 3,000 to 10,000 yen

・Acquaintances and neighbors: 3,000 to 5,000 yen

This is just a general guideline. For example, if you are close friends and you take care of them on a daily basis, you can aim for around 5,000 to 10,000 yen. If you are giving baby gifts to people from the same workplace, you can combine the amount by signing the names of both parties.

It is also a good idea to check with family and relatives when there is no one around to ask, "How much should we give as a gift?" If the person has given you a baby gift before, you can give an amount equivalent to that amount.

■Do birth gifts have to be in new bills?

If you are giving cash as a gift, be sure to prepare new bills (bills without creases). It is considered better to use new bills for gifts such as baby showers, New Year's gifts such as "otoshidama," and "Shichi-Go-San," which is a celebration to share the joy of a child's growth.
So why is it considered better not to use old banknotes? The main reason is that new banknotes have the following meanings:

・The feeling of celebrating a new beginning ・The thoughtfulness of letting the other person know that you prepared the baby gift money in advance ※It takes some time to prepare new bills

If you take your old banknotes to a bank or post office, you can exchange them for new ones. If you know you will need a baby gift, prepare it early.

■Is it better to give a baby gift in cash?

When it comes to giving a baby gift in cash or a gift, there is no problem with etiquette either way. Some family members will be happy with cash because they can use it more freely. If you don't know what to give, don't have time to choose, but don't want to give just anything, cash is fine. However, if you feel like "I don't want to give cash for some reason," gift certificates and gift cards are also recommended.

■When is the best time to give a baby gift?

The best time to give a birth gift is "2 to 4 weeks after the birth." This is because the mother has left the hospital after giving birth and her health has stabilized to a certain extent.
Traditionally, it is considered best to give the gift before the "Omiya-mairi" (a shrine visit to a newborn baby) which is held around one month after birth to pray for the baby's health. This is because the receiving family also needs to prepare a gift in return for the birth celebration. It is better to have a set period of time in mind so that the gifts can be distributed all at once, which reduces the burden on the mother after the birth.

You should also be careful when visiting a home to give a gift. Observe the mother's condition after the birth and try not to put a burden on her and her child. If the mother is late in being discharged from the hospital, consider sending the gift by mail instead of visiting. In that case, it would be good to include a message of birth celebration and say, "I would love to see the baby's face, so please let me visit you again at another opportunity."

■ Summary of etiquette and points to note when giving birth gifts

The average price range for a baby gift is 10,000 to 30,000 yen for a family member, 3,000 to 10,000 yen for a friend, and 3,000 to 5,000 yen for an acquaintance or neighbor.

・It is said that it is best to give birth gifts in new bills, so prepare them in advance.

・It doesn't matter if the gift is cash or a gift.

・The best time to give a birth gift is 2 to 4 weeks after the birth.

It may seem like there are a few rules to follow, but you should observe basic etiquette so that your feelings of wanting to congratulate the other person on the birth of a baby are properly conveyed to the other person. In particular, etiquette regarding the timing of giving baby gifts is also a sign of concern for the health of the mother and child. Be sure to observe the other person's reaction and give at the appropriate time.

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