Do you buy shoes and give as present?

Hi Much2say, good idea. Giving gift card is indeed the best of all. Over here, many companies give out supermarket shopping vouchers to the employees as an act of appreciation for certain events. But individuals never think of doing the same thing. It will make life easier to give shopping vouchers. I think the giver and receiver will both benefit from it.

Hi Much2say, it is not that popular here for a few reasons. One is that we have the habit of giving cash during certain festive seasons. For example, when I visit a friend in hospital, I will put some cash into the red packet for good luck. During Chinese New Year, we have the custom of giving red packets with cash in it for good luck too. With such a culture, buying gift certificate becomes redundant. Another reason is the closing down of certain bookshops recently. Once they close down the chain, they refuse to honor the gift certificate.

Are giving gift cards not popular out there? Gift cards can be found all over the place here - it's very popular - and so convenient! I used to think they were kind of impersonal, and maybe that's the old way of thinking . . . but now I don't mind them so much because they are around so much. Perhaps out there people still think it is impersonal to give out gift cards as well.

Nope, they didn't . May be nowadays such superstition is no longer popular here so they didn't give a dollar in as a token. I was told giving wristwatch to lover as present would bring back luck to the couple. It's believed that relationship would break if receiving the watch. So people usually will give a dollar as a token to avoid the undesirable bad luck. people here will never give clock as present as the word clock sounds really indecent in Cantonese Anyway we should discard all those meaningless superstitions for they might be obstacles for our society to go ahead I suppose. Really scheng1, Chinese pay great attention to New Year. Lol...talking of CNY I believe there are countless of things to chat with Happy posting

Hi Ikbooi, yes, have to start reading up on all the superstitions associcated with Chinese New Year already. The only one I can remember forever is not to sweep floor on New Year day, that is the most important of all. As for the rest, really cannot remember already.

Hi Ikbooi, did they give you a dollar as a token for the shoes? This is what my mum did. She said that it is bad luck to receive shoes as present, so she must gave a token of a dollar. I do not know how this superstition comes about. I think we have more than enough superstitious beliefs already, especially when Chinese New Year is coming.

Hi Myfb, yes, I always bring my mother along when I want to buy something for her. Even though it will not be a surprise gift, it still is a pleasant experience. My mother will always return me a dollar. I think you check with your mother or parent in law about this particular superstition. They may have a better idea of it.

Hi Megamatt, buying shoes and give as gift does not mean you have to select on your own. For example, if I want to buy a pair of shoes for my mother, I can bring her along, and let her select the shoes. I just have to wait for her, and then pay for the purchase. That is as good a gift idea as giving other things. At least the receiver gets to make a choice, and knowing that someone whom she loves is going to pay for it.

Hi Cmang, yes, if shoes are pronounced in another way, then it is a good idea to bring our parents, grandparents out and brought them a pair of shoes. As it is, the superstition associated means we have one less item to give as gifts for our loved ones. I think buying a pair of shoes is actually a good idea. We can go with our family members and help them choose the best shoes. If your girlfriend loves to buy shoes, you definitely have spent a lot of time in the shop waiting for her. Just hope that she is not a shoe addict.

Hi Youless, I think tbat is true. We have to think from the viewpoint of the receiver. If the receiver is superstitious, then the relationship will get very sour later on. Fortunately not many people are so thoughtless as to give questionable presents. Now even the westerners know that giving clock to Chinese is not acceptable.

Hi GemmaR, that is very unusual. Most people do not buy shoes and give as gifts. I guess the cultural practice in your region makes it acceptable, and people do not have superstitions associated with giving shoes as gifts. If I were to buy a pair of shoes for my mum, I think she will freak out. I have to inform her ahead, and then collect at least a dollar from her. It is considered bad luck to give shoes. But nobody can tell me the origin of the superstition.

Hi Hvedra, yes, buying a knife or scissors as a gift is not acceptable at all. Of all the things we can buy, I doubt anyone will want to buy a kitchen knife to give to their friends. I do not know about putting coins in the purse or wallet. First I heard of it. I wonder if putting coins in the purse or wallet makes the giver poorer, and enrich the receiver!

Hi Alquizar, that is a very unusual belief. I remember when I was young, giving handkerchief was an acceptable practice. There were many handkerchiefs with nice embroideries too. But now, nobody use it anymore. We are more used to the use of tissues. At least we can just throw it away after usage.

Hi Kicysmile, you are both from the younger generation, and not superstitious at all. I think your boyfriend is very nice to give you presents. You may want to check with the elders in your family to know the reason for not giving shoes. Actually my mother cannot tell me why. I think she just follows blindly without asking her elders about it.