Tableware for Gifts: Stylish Picks for Special Days and How to Choose

Purchasing staff Tsurumi (housewife, living alone)

Hello! This is the staff from the Japanese tableware online store "UTSUWABI."
Today, we will introduce how to choose Japanese tableware as gifts and recommend some of our best products.

"My boss, who loves drinking, is retiring, so how about giving them a sake set as a gift?"

There are many occasions to give gifts, not only for weddings and birthdays but also for Christmas and Mother's Day.

However...

Customers Voice

"I want to give something that will be used often, but what should I choose to make sure they’ll love it?"

 Choosing a gift can be a challenge.

When giving a gift to express gratitude or celebration, it's important to imagine the recipient's lifestyle and choose something that adds a little joy to their daily life. 

In such cases, tableware—an essential part of everyday dining—is a great option!

Pair sets and tableware with celebratory, elegant designs are popular choices for various occasions.
Recently, as people spend more time at home, more and more are choosing stylish tableware as gifts to enhance their dining experiences.

So, in this article, we will introduce tips for selecting tableware by occasion and recommend some of the best tableware gifts.
Additionally, we will share gift-giving etiquette to help you present your gift in the best way possible.

Rice Bowl Tokusa Blue | Arita Ware
Rice Bowl Tokusa Vermilion | Arita Ware

Recommended Tableware for Wedding Gifts

kotohogi Kurawanka Rice Bowl Crane | Hasami Ware

When choosing a wedding gift, consider tableware that will be useful in the couple’s new life together.
Selecting items with commemorative or slightly festive designs is also a great idea.

Pair Tableware for Couples
Matching tableware for couples is a classic wedding gift.
Using matching bowls, glasses, or plates helps couples feel more connected, making it a meaningful gift.

To ensure the gift is cherished for a long time, it’s best to choose designs that suit both individuals’ tastes. 

Pair bowls are a staple wedding gift

Pine tree motifs, symbolizing longevity and good fortune, make them particularly meaningful for newlyweds.
Everyday tableware gifts like these are sure to be appreciated.

Rice Bowl HARU(Spring) | Mino Ware
Rice Bowl AKI(Autum) | Mino Ware

Matsuya Shikki Store Soup Bowl Set | Echizen Lacquerware

 A set of black and red lacquered soup bowls, traditionally used for special occasions.

What makes this set special is that despite being lacquerware, it is dishwasher and dryer safe—a rare feature.

Matsuya Shikki Store Soup Bowl Set | Echizen Lacquerware

Price Range for Wedding Gifts

Generally, wedding gifts cost between ¥10,000 and ¥30,000, with higher amounts for siblings and close relatives.

However, the price should also reflect your relationship with the couple and your personal budget. 

Recommended Tableware for Housewarming Gifts

Moving into a new home, whether due to starting a new job or marriage, is a major life event.
It’s best to choose gifts that match the recipient’s lifestyle changes.
Here are some key points to keep in mind when selecting housewarming gifts. 

Versatile 21cm Main Plates
Many people start living alone or begin cooking for themselves when they become working professionals.
With a busy schedule, they may often rely on quick meals like pasta or curry.
For such occasions, a slightly deep, large plate is a versatile and practical gift.

POTPURRI Vag Pair Pasta Plate Green&Yellow

Small Plates & Bowl Sets – Useful for Any Home
Just like wedding gifts, small plates and bowls are great housewarming gifts, as they are frequently used for entertaining guests.

POTPURRI Vag Small Bowl Set

This set includes five colorful bowls in gray, yellow, red, white, and green.
They can be used for serving yogurt at breakfast or ice cream for guests.
The simple yet playful design adds a bright touch to any new life. 

Harekutani Cat Sauce Plate Set | Kutani Ware

This is a set of small plates featuring cats with unique and charming expressions.
They are perfect as soy sauce dishes for sushi or as condiment plates for hot pot meals.
Since they are stackable, they can be neatly stored without taking up much space!

Harekutani Cat Sauce Plate Set | Kutani Ware

Price Range for Housewarming Gifts
For neighbors, friends, or acquaintances: ¥5,000–¥10,000
For parents or siblings: ¥10,000–¥50,000 

Recommended Tableware for Baby Gifts

A baby gift should bring warmth and joy to the recipient.
It’s best to choose items made with gentle materials and soft designs.
Here are some recommended tableware options for baby gifts, categorized by key points.

 Tableware Made from Carefully Selected Materials

Once a baby starts eating solid foods, baby tableware becomes essential.
Choosing items that can be used as the child grows is a great option. 

High-quality wooden cutlery handcrafted by artisans provides a gentle feel and can be used for many years.

A traditional "Okuizome" (first meal) tableware set also makes a thoughtful gift.

Shirasagi Woodworking Children's Soup Bowl Red Sakura | Lacquerware

Shirasagi Woodworking Children's Soup Bowl Red Sakura | Lacquerware

Gifts for Mothers

When thinking about baby gifts, people often focus on the baby, but a thoughtful gift for the mother is also a great idea.

For a mother who will soon be busy with childcare, a tea cup and tea set to help her relax can be a much-appreciated gift. 

[3-Piece Set] Tea Time Relaxation Set

Brew some coffee in the mug, place a favorite cookie on the small plate, and enjoy a well-deserved break.
This tea time set is designed to provide a moment of comfort and relaxation.
The included tray makes it easy to carry everything neatly.

Harekutani Cup and Saucer Flower and Bird | Kutani Ware

This beautifully illustrated cup and saucer set features a design reminiscent of springtime.

Part of the "Harekutani" series, which was created with the idea of bringing a bright and cheerful mood to everyday life.
This elegant cup set provides a moment of peace amidst a busy day. 

 Silver Spoon – A Lucky Baby Gift
In Western traditions, there is a saying:
"A baby born with a silver spoon in their mouth will live a happy life."
Because of this, gifting a silver spoon for a baby is considered a lucky charm.
 For easier maintenance, a stainless steel version can also be a great choice.

 Price Range for Baby Gifts
For friends: ¥3,000–¥10,000
For relatives: ¥10,000–¥50,000

Recommended Tableware for Retirement & Milestone Birthday Gifts (for Seniors)

When choosing gifts for senior colleagues, mentors, or elders, it’s best to select items that feel high-quality and elegant.

Here are some recommended tableware options for retirement and milestone birthday gifts, categorized by key points.

Retirement Gifts – Items for Enjoying Home Life

A retirement gift should express gratitude for many years of service.
Consider gifts that enhance home relaxation time or match their hobbies.
For example, if they enjoy drinking, a sake set could be a great choice.

Since they may already own many essentials, it’s best to choose something high-quality and special.

3-piece Sake Set Beige | Mino Ware

This gift set includes a sake bottle (Tokkuri), a small sake cup (Ochoko), and a small plate in a beautiful gift box.
The warm beige color comes from a glaze made from rice straw ash, making it a perfect match for enjoying sake.

3-piece Sake Set Beige | Mino Ware

Cold Sake Ware Set Black | Mino Ware

This elegant 3-piece set includes a sake server, a small plate, and a sake cup.
The black ceramic finish with a silver-like shine gives it a refined and sophisticated appearance.
The small sake cup encourages slow sipping, perfect for relaxing evenings.

Cold Sake Ware Set Black | Mino Ware

Milestone Birthday Gifts – Inspired by Traditional Colors

In Japan, milestone birthdays (starting with the 60th birthday – Kanreki) are celebrated with symbolic theme colors.
Choosing gifts based on these traditional colors adds thoughtfulness to your present.

For example:
60th Birthday (Kanreki) → Red Wine & Wine Glasses
70th Birthday (Koki) → Purple-Themed Tea Cups

 Lucky Small Plate – Kutani Ware (Seikou Kiln)

This small plate series features vibrant colors and auspicious motifs.
Since there are many designs available, you can gradually build a collection for each milestone birthday.

Seikou Kiln Sauce Plate Yoshidaya-style Aoi | Kutani Ware
Seikou Kiln Sauce Plate Deer and Maple | Kutani Ware
Seikou Kiln Sauce Plate Chidori | Kutani Ware
Seikou Kiln Sauce Plate Six Gourds | Kutani Ware
Seikou Kiln Sauce Plate Rabbit | Kutani Ware
Seikou Kiln Sauce Plate Karako | Kutani Ware

Echizen Chopsticks – Hexagonal Gold Foil Gourd Design (Korindo)

These luxurious lacquered chopsticks feature a gold foil gourd pattern, a symbol of health and longevity in Japanese culture.
The deep lacquer finish adds a touch of elegance to any dining experience. 

KORINDO Echizen Chopsticks Hexagonal Gold Leaf Rokugon Tame 23.0cm /9.05in
KORINDO Echizen Chopsticks Hexagonal Gold Leaf Six Gourds Washed Red 23.0cm /9.05in

Perfect for Respect for the Aged Day or milestone birthday gifts.
Price Range for Retirement & Milestone Birthday Gifts
For workplace retirement gifts: ¥10,000–¥30,000
For milestone birthdays (Kanreki, Koki, etc.): ¥10,000–¥100,000
For children giving gifts to parents: ¥20,000–¥30,000

 Recommended Tableware for Birthday Gifts

[3-Piece Set] Frame Cutlery Rest – Ceramic, Sen, Hasami Ware

Why Tableware Makes a Great Birthday Gift
One of the best things about tableware is that it can be used every day.

Giving a thoughtful item that brings warmth and joy whenever it's used is a wonderful way to express your appreciation.

Here, we introduce some key points for choosing the perfect tableware gift for a birthday. 

sen Frame Cutlery Rest Set |Hashioki Hasami Ware

[Make Breakfast More Enjoyable] Mug & 7-Inch Plate Set – Chrysanthemum Design 

Pair your toast and fried egg with a beautiful 7-inch plate, and pour your favorite tea into the matching mug.

 Made of durable porcelain, this set is both microwave-safe and dishwasher-safe, making it convenient for everyday use.
It’s a perfect way to enjoy a calm and relaxing breakfast, even on busy mornings. 

 [For Soup Lovers at Breakfast!] White Slipware Soup Cup & Wooden Spoon 

This gift set includes a handmade soup cup and a wooden spoon, perfect for those who love vegetable soup, corn soup, or any comforting meal.

The wooden spoon has a soft, gentle feel, making it enjoyable to use every day.
The cup’s warm and natural design brings a sense of calm to your morning routine.

A Little Luxury for Everyday Use
A great birthday gift is something that feels a bit special but is still practical for daily life.

If you know the recipient well, it's easier to pick something that suits their tastes and needs.
For example, if your sister always uses a free promotional mug, why not gift her a beautiful artisan-made mug from a pottery studio?

These are the kinds of items that people may hesitate to buy for themselves but would love to receive as a gift.

Birthday Gift Price Range
¥3,000–¥10,000

There’s no strict rule for how much to spend on a birthday gift.
However, it’s best to avoid overly expensive gifts that may make the recipient feel obligated to return the favor.
Choosing something thoughtful yet affordable is key.

Basic Gift-Giving Etiquette

It's important to ensure that your heartfelt gift is properly received.
Here are some basic etiquette tips to keep in mind when giving a present.

How to Present a Gift
If Sending by Delivery
Whenever possible, it’s best to hand-deliver a gift.
However, if distance or convenience is a concern, shipping the gift is a great option.

When sending a gift:
・Include a note to express your thoughts.
・If available, add a store-provided gift card with a short message.
・For baby gifts, consider sending them instead of visiting to avoid disturbing a busy new parent.

If Hand-Delivering the Gift
In Japanese tradition, the best days to give a gift are auspicious days like Taian (大安), Senshō (先勝), and Tomobiki (友引).
Gifts should be presented in the morning whenever possible.

・ Do not give the gift in a shopping bag or wrapping cloth (furoshiki)—these should be removed before presenting the gift.
While following traditions is important, always prioritize the recipient’s convenience when arranging a visit.

Gift-Giving Taboos
Although many modern gift customs have become more flexible, it's still good to be aware of certain traditional taboos, especially when giving gifts to elders or superiors.

Avoid the Numbers 4 and 9
In Japanese culture, numbers have symbolic meanings:

Odd numbers (3, 5, 7) are considered lucky.
Even numbers are generally fine, except for 4 (死, meaning "death") and 9 (苦, meaning "suffering").
8 is an exception, as it represents prosperity.
It’s best to avoid gifts that come in sets of four or nine.

Avoid Red-Colored Items for Housewarming Gifts
When giving a housewarming or relocation gift, avoid items in red as they symbolize fire and disaster.

Celebrate Special Moments with Thoughtful Tableware Gifts

Tableware is a practical and heartfelt gift that can be used every day.
Beyond choosing the perfect item, considering how you present it is just as important.

 At UTSUWABI, We offer a wide selection of tableware perfect for gifts.

You’ll find:

✔ Timeless plates for everyday meals
✔ Elegant cups for couples to enjoy together
✔ Popular tableware sets carefully selected for gifting

Thank you for reading until the end.
I hope everyone can find good works!

Here is the link to the UTSUWABI website