出産(しゅっさん)祝(いわ)い

Japanese gift culture

出産(しゅっさん)祝(いわ)い is part of Japan's extensive gift-giving culture. When a baby is born, friends and family give gifts to celebrate.

Timing

Typically given within a month after birth, after the baby's name is announced.

Common gifts

• ベビー服(ふく) - baby clothes
• おむつケーキ - diaper cake
• 現金(げんきん) - cash (often in increments of 5,000 or 10,000 yen)
• 商品券(しょうひんけん) - gift certificates

Return gift

内祝(うちいわ)い - the recipient typically gives a return gift (お返(かえ)し) worth about half the value of the original gift.