In more and more countries, people choose to give money on special occasions rather than giving gifts chosen personally. Why might this be the case? Is it a positive or a negative development?

Gift-giving has traditionally been a symbolic act, expressing affection, gratitude, respect, or social obligation. In many cultures, however, people increasingly choose to give money on birthdays, weddings, festivals, and other special occasions rather than selecting a personal gift. This shift reflects practical changes in modern life, including consumer abundance, time pressure, and the desire to avoid waste. I believe it is a largely positive development, although something meaningful may be lost if money completely replaces thoughtful giving. One reason for this trend is that modern consumers already own many of the items they need. In the past, gifts such as household goods, clothing, or decorative objects may have been genuinely useful, particularly for young couples or families with limited income. Today, however, many people have specific tastes and easy access to a wide range of products. A gift chosen by someone else may be unsuitable, duplicated, or simply unwanted. Giving money allows the recipient to decide what is most useful, whether that means paying for education, travel, rent, savings, or a personal purchase. In this sense, money is not necessarily impersonal; it can be a flexible and practical form of support. Another factor is the pace of modern life. Choosing a personal gift requires time, knowledge, and emotional attention. People who are busy with work, commuting, childcare, or study may find it difficult to select something appropriate. Money reduces the risk of making a poor choice and avoids the awkwardness of giving an unwanted object. It can also be culturally convenient on occasions such as weddings, where financial contributions may help cover the cost of the event or support the couple as they begin a new stage of life. Overall, I regard this trend as positive because it reduces waste and respects the recipient’s autonomy. Unwanted gifts often end up unused, returned, thrown away, or stored indefinitely. By contrast, money can be used according to real need. However, the drawback is that gift-giving may become transactional if no effort is made to preserve its emotional meaning. A personal message, a small symbolic item, or a thoughtful gesture can make a monetary gift feel warm rather than mechanical. In conclusion, people increasingly give money because it is practical, flexible, and less likely to be wasted. While this development may reduce the personal character of gift-giving, it is generally positive as long as people remember that the value of a gift lies not only in what is given, but also in the care and intention behind it.