Money as a Gift: Why It's Welcome at Weddings, Awkward at Holidays

The practice of giving money as a gift has become standard for weddings and bar mitzvahs in Israel, with many couples even including it on their gift registries. A recent study found that 75% of engaged or newlywed couples list cash as a gift option, and 41% state it's their most desired gift, often earmarked for honeymoons, savings, or down payments on homes. Consumer behavior researcher Moti Azulai explains that when money is given with a clear social purpose, like funding an event or a major life purchase, it gains meaning beyond just a monetary substitute.

This trend has extended to large birthday celebrations, which increasingly mimic weddings with venue rentals, catering, and entertainment. In these contexts, cash gifts are seen as a way to help cover the event's expenses, aligning with the wedding gift convention. This phenomenon, dubbed 'eventization,' is partly driven by social media culture, where events are often exaggerated and publicized, leading to a shift in gift-giving expectations from personal choice to covering costs.

However, the article contrasts this with holiday gatherings, particularly Passover and Rosh Hashanah, where the expectation is for a gift that shows personal thought and care, rather than just covering expenses. A physical gift, even if less expensive, can convey more thoughtfulness than a cash amount, which immediately highlights its numerical value but less of the giver's effort.

Gift cards have emerged as a compromise, aiming to offer both convenience and a semblance of personal choice. However, they often fall short, lacking the personal touch of a chosen gift and the complete freedom of cash. Research indicates issues with clarity on where gift cards can be redeemed, staff unfamiliarity, and declined transactions. Furthermore, consumers often spend more than the gift card's value or struggle to use the full amount, sometimes requiring additional payment.

In the workplace, gift cards and vouchers are common holiday gifts, though surveys show a trend towards more tangible or personalized gifts. Ultimately, while cash is the most practical gift for covering expenses at large events, the article concludes that for intimate occasions like holiday meals, a gift chosen with personal consideration still holds significant emotional value.