Money as a gift

[The_Traveler]

In Western cultures, giving money as a gift sometimes seems to be less thoughtful. In some of the Eastern cultures, money as a gift is actually the reverse. (For any occasion for my daughter-in-law, we send untouched, unfolded new bills in a bright red envelope and she is impressed by our thoughtfulness)

In Vietnam, during funerals, spirit money is burnt or toseed around.

In Laos, actual money is left as offerings in temples, often in neatly done designs as a mark of increased respect.

 

[ClickAddict]

In the last decade or so the gift card has taken a large chunk of the gift market. It offers a compromise between both. Not just thoughtless as cash (western thinking) but shows some consideration / knowledge of a persons interests, but also easier when you don't know exactly what they want/need. This is very helpful for people with hobbies which have expensive gear (photography is a good example). My family has no clue as to what I would want or need, but know a gift card at a camera shop is always welcome.

 

[The_Traveler]

This article might be of interest concerning the symbolism of how cash gifts are made.