What is the typical price range for baby gifts in Japan?

The cost of baby gifts in Japan often depends on the region and the relationship with the recipient. A baby gift is a gesture of congratulations and support for the newborn and their parents. As long as the gift is thoughtful and well-received, the exact amount is flexible. Below is a general guide:

Types of Gifts:

• Baby essentials: Items that are useful in caring for the baby—such as baby towels, diapers, baby clothes, and bath items—are commonly chosen.

• Gift sets: A combination of multiple items carefully selected makes the gift feel more special.

• Greeting cards: Including a heartfelt message card adds a personal and warm touch.

• Noshi (Japanese ceremonial wrapping): Especially in work settings, noshi is often used in line with traditional customs. Recently, drawstring gift bags have also become a popular alternative.

Typical Price Ranges:

The amount spent on a baby gift depends on how close you are to the parents. In general:

• Average gift price: Typically between ¥5,000 and ¥10,000.

• For close friends and family: It is common to give gifts valued at ¥5,000 to ¥10,000 or more. Looking at actual online shopping trends, many people tend to spend slightly more—around ¥6,000. Friends who are already mothers often choose items they personally used and loved, regardless of the price. Adding a message like “This was my son’s favorite toy” is a warm and meaningful gesture. For particularly close relationships, gifts over ¥10,000 are sometimes given.

• From grandparents: Grandparents often give higher-value gifts, ranging from ¥15,000 to ¥20,000, such as large chairs or gift bags filled with many toys—items that friends or relatives may not usually give.

• For coworkers or acquaintances: When gifting to coworkers or acquaintances, the usual range is around ¥3,000 to ¥5,000, although this may vary depending on the relationship.

• Group gifts: Sometimes friends or coworkers collaborate to give a group gift. In these cases, each person contributes a smaller amount, and while the overall gift may be expensive, individual contributions remain modest. It’s common to include the names of all the contributors or the name of the department on the message card.