Give These Gifts That Bring Good Luck

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Every gift is an expression of love. But choose wisely and you can also bring luck to the recipient. If you're looking for just the right thing for newlyweds or to celebrate a homeowner's new digs, consider gifting them something that not only comes from the heart, but is also a token of good luck.

Cultures around the world believe that certain items exude positive energy—from bamboo that bestows abundance of wealth and pineapples as a symbol of welcome. But the same token applies to negative energy too; putting a bow on a chef’s knife or wrapping a seemingly innocuous soap set can be considered a misstep that has the power to sever a friendship.

These superstitions often stem from different rituals that societies and cultures have implemented to protect a home, and the people in it. The idea is that certain objects have unique powers and energies (both positive and negative), so what you bring inside the home matters, says Phillips Stevens, Ph.D., professor of Anthropology Emeritus, State University of New York at Buffalo and author of forthcoming book Rethinking the Anthropology of Magic and Witchcraft (Routledge).

Superstitious or not, no one is going to turn away a little extra luck. Plus, the meaning behind the present makes in interesting story—let the recipient know how this thoughtful item can enhance their abode. Here are 15 symbols of good fortune you can wrap up for the lucky couple or happy homeowner, and six items you’ll want to skip.

Every gift is an expression of love. But choose wisely and you can also bring luck to the recipient. If you're looking for just the right thing for newlyweds or to celebrate a homeowner's new digs, consider gifting them something that not only comes from the heart, but is also a token of good luck. Cultures around the world believe that certain items exude positive energy—from bamboo that bestows abundance of wealth and pineapples as a symbol of welcome. But the same token applies to negative energy too; putting a bow on a chef’s knife or wrapping a seemingly innocuous soap set can be considered a misstep that has the power to sever a friendship.

These superstitions often stem from different rituals that societies and cultures have implemented to protect a home, and the people in it. The idea is that certain objects have unique powers and energies (both positive and negative), so what you bring inside the home matters, says Phillips Stevens, Ph.D., professor of Anthropology Emeritus, State University of New York at Buffalo and author of forthcoming book Rethinking the Anthropology of Magic and Witchcraft (Routledge). (And that's true for lucky items you bring into your own home as well, not just gifts.)

Superstitious or not, no one is going to turn away a little extra luck. Plus, the meaning behind the present makes in interesting story—let the recipient know how this thoughtful item can enhance their abode. Here are 15 symbols of good fortune you can wrap up for the lucky couple or happy homeowner, and six items you’ll want to skip.

Fish

In Feng Shui, the traditional art of Chinese geomancy, fish represent wealth and prosperity. This also one of the reasons why koi ponds are prolific in Japanese garden designs. For a functional take on these swimmers, look for something like these koi napkin rings by Joanna Buchanan, a perfect gift for couples who look to host with abundance.

Bamboo

Bamboo is said to have been used in Feng Shui for over 5,000 years as a vehicle for Chi energy. The thought goes that positive energy moves through the hollow plant, allowing for health and wealth to grow. A bamboo plant is always a lovely gift for a new home (or a new marriage—consider the relationship advice to "bend like bamboo" in arguments, finding compromises that won't break you).

But we believe you can interpret the symbol broadly, and think outside the potted plant to items such as bamboo-handled flatware, or this Quince bamboo sheet set. (And if you spot bamboo sheets on a couple's registry, you're golden!) What’s more, designer Lindsey Putzier in Hudson, Ohio, notes that since bamboo sheets are on the pricier side, it’s not something most people would purchase for themselves.

Salt Shakers

Spilling salt is deemed bad luck. Keep it contained with quirky salt shakers. Amp up the good fortune with pomegranate shakers—with its multitude of seeds, the fruit is an almost universal symbol for fertility. (Or, choose salt shakers in the shape of another lucky symbol such as pineapple.)

Whatever salt shaker you choose, consider pairing this gift with finishing salt, which is an emblem of protection, loyalty, and permanence.

Elephants

The elephant is a symbol of success and wisdom, which is rooted in narratives from Southeast Asia. The association of elephants with luck may be related to Ganesha—the Hindu god with an elephant’s head known for removing obstacles. These animals are scene-stealers, so to make sure your lucky gift will fit into anyone's decor, consider scaling down and amping up on detail. Think keepsake boxes with ornamental touches, like this candle by L'Objet.

Incense

Burning incense is said to manifest positive vibes, especially if you opt for scents like sandalwood, which is said to have cleansing properties. The lucky link goes back to rituals that use the burning of incense to enhance spirituality in Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity. It can also amp up the ambience in any home—especially when burned in a chic vessel like Tom Dixon's Fog Incense Set.

Lace

Ornamental lace on wedding gowns is a classic, and for good reason: legend has it that an Adriatic fisherman left his betrothed a fishnet, which the woman wove into a lace pattern. Keep up the romanticism with a newlywed gift of lace-trimmed guest towels, like the Luzon Linen Fingertip Towel, to bring enduring love into a home.

Peacocks

The colorful beauties aren't just elegant; they're also a symbol of luck in Hinduism as the flock is associated with Lord Krishna. Buddhists see these sacred birds are symbols of watchfulness, likely because the feathers evoke eyes. And in Christianity, they symbolize eternal life, because an early legend held that peacocks did not decay after death. With a single peacock gift—Like the Ida towel hook from Anthropologie—you're wishing the recipient luck, protection, and long life.

Pineapples

A symbol of luck in Singapore, pineapples became a craze in Europe after Columbus brought them back from Guadeloupe. They evolved into a sign of welcome in colonial America. A door knocker is one of the first decor items guests see, and this pineapple version welcomes anyone passing by. You can also find reproductions of a Colonial version on Chairish.

Orchids

There's a reason Japanese businessmen give orchid plants to associates as a sign of good fortune—the plants were associated with nobility in 17th century Japan. You can always give a potted orchid as lucky, gorgeous, and fragrant gift. But this candle, inspired by the Taiwanese Aerangis orchid, is a creative alternative for friends who might not have a green thumb. It also has a perfect name for newlyweds starting a life together: The Beginning. Just warn the couple orchids are also linked with virility—because the Ancient Greeks thought the bulbs resembled male genitalia.

Palms

In Ancient Greece, palm leaves were presented to winning athletes for their victories. Palms are also Islamic symbols of peace and resolving conflict. Any object showing a palm tree or frond is lucky, but these jungle print napkins are especially thoughtful because "dining room linens are often overlooked," Putzier adds. "A good, quality set of cloth napkins, a nice tablecloth, and some pretty placemats can really complete a tablescape."

Fruit Bowl

There's no more apt symbol for a fruitful marriage or home. (This is why the fruit bowl, along with the fish, are among the 12 lucky ornaments in Kurt Adler's set for newlyweds, another perfect wedding gift.)

A New Broom

A broom may seem like an odd newlywed gift, but bringing old brooms into a new house is akin to bringing in all the dirt and negativity from the old house, or so a superstition found everywhere from colonial America to India goes. For a new start, get them a new broom. (And yes, we think a vacuum counts, too.)

Teacups

A cracked teacup can attract bad luck, so set them up with some new ones, which represent friendship. The Delft-inspired motif in this Spode set is perfect for that something blue, too. Pair it with loose leaf tea, as scattering it in the house is said to ward off evil spirits.

Crickets

You might not think that an insect makes the perfect gift, but crickets are considered fortuitous in Asian, European, and Native American cultures because they're associated with the harvest, are very fertile, and make happy music. It’s no coincidence Jimmy Cricket was the voice of reason in Pinocchio. This brass cricket by Balywood brings luck to any mantelpiece.

Lotus Flowers

Ancient Egyptians lauded the lotus flower as it symbolized creation and rebirth. The sacred bloom is also a popular flower in Chinese weddings, as it is said to represent a shared heart. And, of course, the Buddha sits on a lotus throne. While a throne may not be in the budget for a gift, Lalique's lotus-etched crystal barware is a lovely alternative.

Bad Luck: Knives or Scissors

Several cultures believe that gifting a sharp object such as a knife or scissors can sever ties with the recipient. In the Mediterranean, handing someone a sharp object foreshadows a fight in the future. Maybe skip a fancy letter opener too, just in case.

If, however, you want to pick up a knife set—say this Cuisinart 15-Piece Knife Set—off a couple's registry, just have them hand you a penny to "buy" it from you. That makes it not actual gift, negating the bad luck.

Bad Luck: Clocks

This Newgate Honeybee Wall Clock is adorable. But maybe something a person should buy for themselves rather than receive as a gift. Naturally, a clock is a symbol of time—and, according to Feng Shui, gifting one can imply that time is running out. Worse yet, a malfunctioning clock gives off negative energy.

Money in Unlucky Denominations

Everyone appreciates a monetary gift—especially if it ends in a number considered lucky by their culture. (For example, in Judaism, the number 18, called "chai," is lucky because it is associated with the word for life.)

Similarly, you don't want to damper the delight of your generous gift by giving an inauspicious number. For instance, many people in India prefer odd numbers, so a $100 gift card can be seen as a bad omen. Better make it $125.

The same token goes when giving objects. In China, the number four sounds very much like “death.” That means when choosing napkin rings, for instance, opt for six or eight, both are associated with luck.

Bad Luck: Handkerchiefs

Hankies bearing their new monogram seems like a super-thoughtful gift (and this set goes with everything). But you might want to reconsider. In Chinese culture, a hankie is considered a parting gift, and if you give a set to the couple, it might imply that you’re saying goodbye to them…forever.

Bad Luck: Dried Flowers

An arrangement they never have to worry about replacing may seem like a genius gift. But in Feng Shui, dried flowers lack energy because they are, well, dead. They can also be harborers of dust and, in turn, negative Chi that stagnates life

Bad Luck: Soap

What could be wrong with gift soap—it has gift in the name, after all? These monogrammed beauties are great for a powder room, but in some cultures, as in India, the gift of soap carries the risk of washing your friendship away. Of course, you can always use the penny trick here, too!

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