2024 Gift Exchange Rankings Top 10 | What Are the Most Desired Gifts According to Japanese Gift Platforms?

What is the most desired item to receive in a gift exchange? How can you cater to someone's preferences while giving a thoughtful and surprising gift? Gift exchanges truly test the giver's taste. This time, we've compiled a ranking of the most desired exchange gifts based on data from a Japanese online gift specialty site with over 7 million monthly users! Additionally, we have carefully selected a recommended list of high-quality Japanese gifts categorized by different budgets.

Contents

• Top 7 Most Desired Exchange Gifts
  • Top 1. Beverage Gift Set
  • Top 2. Cosmetics & Body Care Products
  • Top 3. Office Supplies & Stationery
  • Top 4. Everyday Miscellaneous Goods
  • Top 5. Fashion Accessories & Goods
  • Top 6. Snacks & Sweets
  • Top 7. Kitchen & Home Goods
• Top 3 Gift Exchange Recommendations for Children
  • Top 1. DIY Craft Kits
  • Top 2. Stationery
  • Top 3. Children's Goods
• How to Choose an Exchange Gift?
• Recommended Exchange Gifts by Different Budgets

Top 7 Most Desired Exchange Gifts

Top 1. Beverage Gift Set

Recipient: Suitable for anyone, regardless of familiarity
Beverage gift sets, including alcohol, coffee, or premium tea leaves, are popular choices among many users during holidays. These sets are consumables and come in a wide variety of flavors. People who are passionate about beverages often collect different brands and flavors, so there's no need to worry about the awkwardness of a gift overlap. The origin and flavors of the beverages can serve as conversation starters. With beautiful packaging, even slightly more expensive brands won't make the recipient feel pressured by the cost. It's the most versatile gift choice and allows the recipient to enjoy a moment of relaxation amidst their busy days, which is why it is highly favored by Japanese users.

Top 2. Cosmetics & Body Care Products

Recipients: Generally suitable for all genders, but pay attention to the choice of product and the recipient's personal style
In this era where skincare knows no gender, high-quality cosmetics or skincare products are favorites among beauty enthusiasts. They help keep their skin in top condition and make for a very thoughtful choice! However, unless you are very familiar with the recipient's tastes, try to avoid gifting strongly personal items like fragrances, lipsticks, and eyeshadow that challenge aesthetic preferences. If gifting such items is necessary, opt for universally liked and less risky options like lip balm, shampoo and conditioner sets, body lotion, or aromatic bath salts.

Top 3. Office Supplies & Stationery

Recipients: Hipsters, Office Workers, Influencers
Stylish notebooks, planners, or unique stationery can surprise hipsters or friends who frequently sketch or jot down notes. If you're unsure whether the recipient likes drawing or taking notes, you might opt for office desk items such as cute lunch boxes, thermos cups, sticky notes, cushions, cute slippers, or even motivational items! These consumables are things people often hesitate to buy for themselves, so receiving them makes one extra happy! Especially for office workers, such practical and pretty gifts make every workday more enjoyable!

Top 4. Everyday Miscellaneous Goods

Recipients: People who focus on home life quality, those who love a sense of ritual
Items like scented candles, incense, handmade soaps, hand washes, premium towels, etc., not only are practical but also enhance the sense of ritual in daily life, making them suitable gifts for those who enjoy improving their quality of life.

Top 5. Fashion Accessories

Recipients: People who focus on external fashion or those not confident with dressing up
Scarves, silk scarves, gloves, or unique accessories are great choices for friends pursuing a standout look, simply enhancing their overall style. For those focused on external fashion, accessories are never too many! People less skilled in matching clothes might appreciate you for choosing a suitable style for them, resulting in unexpected effects! Choose timeless and versatile colors such as black, white, gray, beige, and camel shades, which are this year's trending universal colors. Sets of multiple earrings are also a good choice!

Top 6. Snacks & Sweets

Recipients: Foodies, when you are not familiar with the recipient's preferences
Whether it's exquisite chocolates or handmade cookies, they are beloved by dessert lovers who will surely be thrilled to receive them! When unsure of someone's preferences, giving food items is considered the safest choice!

Top 7. Kitchen & Home Goods

Recipients: People who enjoy cooking, those who focus on dietary habits
Creative kitchenware or home decorations are thoughtful choices for those who love cooking or pay attention to living spaces, making their environment more interesting.

Top 3 Gift Exchange Recommendations for Children

Top 1. DIY Craft Kits

These kits are not only fun but also stimulate children's creativity. If they love making things with their hands, they are sure to love this!

Top 2. Stationery

Cute pen holders, pencil cases, or specially designed pens are definitely practical gifts for children who love school.

Top 3. Children's Fashion Accessories

Wallets or hats with cartoon patterns will definitely be loved by children; such gifts will keep them happy for a long time.

How to Choose the Right Exchange Gift?

When choosing an exchange gift, it's essential to consider the recipient's age and preferences. For adults, practical and high-quality consumables are the safest options. Gifts that can spark interest and creativity are best for children. Additionally, choosing gender-neutral gifts is a safe method. Hopefully, these suggestions will help you choose the most suitable gifts and make the gift exchange event more enjoyable!