Giving Gold as a Gift

Giving gold as a gift is a meaningful gesture that carries sentimental value while also blessing the recipient with good fortune, prosperity, and financial abundance. As a universally valued precious metal, you’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t appreciate receiving gold as a gift.

In this guide, we look at what you need to know about gifting gold, including its historical and cultural significance, occasions where gold makes a great gift, different ways to gift gold, and things to consider before you buy someone gold as a gift.

Historical & cultural significance of gifting gold

The practice of gifting gold dates back to ancient civilizations thousands of years ago, and it remains an important part of many cultures today. Here are some examples of the historical and cultural significance of gifting gold from different regions around the world:

Ancient Egypt

In Ancient Egypt, gold was considered the ‘flesh of the gods’ and believed to carry spiritual powers. It was used in temples and tombs to ensure immortality and divine protection, and pharaohs were often buried with gold artifacts to accompany them into the afterlife. Due to its sacred nature, gifting gold was common amongst the elites of Ancient Egypt, who exchanged gold to form diplomatic ties and alliances.

Ancient Rome

The festival of Saturnalia, celebrated in Ancient Rome, was a time of celebration and gift-giving. During this festival, which was held in honor of the god Saturn, Romans would exchange laurel twigs, nuts, and gold coins as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune for the coming year.

Three Wise Men

In the Christian tradition, the story of the Three Wise Men visiting the newborn Jesus includes the gifting of gold. According to the Gospel of Matthew, the Three Wise Men came from the East bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Gold was considered to be the most precious of the three gifts and a symbol of Jesus's kingship.

India

Gold holds huge religious and cultural significance in India. According to Hindu mythology, gold is the essence from which the universe was created. The first man and ancient lawgiver, Manu, stated that gold should be worn for specific ceremonies and occasions, such as Diwali. To this day, it’s traditional in India to exchange gold gifts of jewelry, coins, and bars each Diwali to usher in a new year of success and abundance. India’s biggest demand for gold, however, comes from the custom of giving gold as a wedding gift.

China

In China, it’s common to give gold during the Lunar New Year to usher in wealth, happiness, and good fortune for the year ahead. Gifting gold is so common during the Lunar New Year that you can find bullion coins and bars specifically catering to this occasion.

For example, PAMP’s Lunar Legends gold bars are released each year with a new design featuring an engraving of the year’s Lunar animal or zodiac sign. The Perth Mint also produces the Australian Lunar Series of gold coins which portray the animals of the Chinese zodiac.

Europe

Giving gold in the form of jewelry or gold coins is also a common practice in many European countries during Christmas, birthdays, christenings, and confirmations. For example, France has a long-standing tradition of gifting newborns a gold Napoleon or Louis d’or coin. In Switzerland, many children receive gold Vreneli coins during special occasions.

Why gold is a great gift

What is it about gold that makes it such a special gift? You’ll be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t love receiving gold, but in case you need more reasons we’ve outlined what makes gold such a great gift below:

It has enduring value

Gold is one of the few materials that retains its value over time. Unlike other gifts, which may depreciate as the years go by - including physical currency - gold holds its worth and often even increases in value. This means it’s not just a beautiful gift but also a great investment that provides financial security and a hedge against inflation.

It’s timeless and has universal appeal

Gold is a timeless gift that transcends trends, fashions, ages, and cultures. Whether gifted in the form of jewelry, bullion coins and bars, or decorative items, gold is universally appreciated by people across all ages and cultures, and it’s unlikely to ever go out of style. This makes it a safe gift for pretty much anyone you know - including the person who has everything.

See more: Gold vs. Silver Investments: Which is Better?

It’s a symbol of wealth and prosperity

It’s almost universally decided that gold is a symbol of wealth, success, and prosperity. Giving a gift with such powerful symbolism shows the recipient that you value their future success and are blessing them with good fortune and abundance.

It’s a tangible asset

No matter how you choose to give gold, whether it’s in the form of jewelry, coins, bars, or decorative items, you’ll be providing the recipient with a form of savings that can be liquidated if needed. This pragmatic aspect makes gold a gift that’s both unique and financially useful.

Continue reading: Pros and Cons of Buying Gold Bars vs Gold Coins

It demonstrates generosity

Gold is a rare and precious metal that’s highly valued across different cultures for centuries. This makes gifting gold a reflection of generosity that shows the recipient you’re willing to invest in their wealth and good fortune. In turn, this can make the act of gifting gold feel like a way of showing deep affection and respect for the recipient.

It makes an impression

What’s more impressive than unwrapping a gift to find a stunning gold watch, commemorative coin, or piece of jewelry? Gold is a luxurious metal that makes an impressive gift for almost anyone. Whether you choose to give gold to friends, family members, or even business associates, it’s guaranteed to be well-received and appreciated.

When should you give gold as a gift?

When is gold an appropriate gift to give? There are so many special occasions and situations that make gold a special and memorable gift - and nobody will ever say no to gold. Below are just some situations where gold can be an excellent gift idea.

Weddings

Weddings honor the beginning of a new life for the happy couple. What better way to celebrate this new stage than by giving gold? As a symbol of good fortune and prosperity, gifting gold at weddings can make a more thoughtful alternative to physical cash gifts. Whether you choose to gift gold jewelry, decorative items, or bullion bars and coins, your gold gift could be a family heirloom in the making.

Anniversaries

Gifting precious metals, and especially gold, on anniversaries, is a way of showing your partner that you treasure your relationship. It can make a particularly meaningful gift on milestone anniversaries, like the 25th or 50th (also known as the gold anniversary). A golden anniversary deserves nothing less than the golden touch!

Birthdays

Who wouldn’t want to receive gold on their birthday? Giving gold as a birthday gift can surprise the recipient and show them you want to treat them to something special. There are no age limits here - gold can be as great a gift for someone turning 21 as it is for someone turning 60.

Religious ceremonies

Gold is closely linked with various religions and cultures, making it an excellent fit for religious milestones like baptisms, confirmations, or bar and bat mitzvahs. It’s likely that gold given as a gift during a special religious occasion will become a keepsake and treasured in the recipient’s life.

Festivals and holidays

Festivals like Diwali and Lunar New Year are all about joy and prosperity, and gold is already an important element of these celebrations. Gifting gold to someone who celebrates these festivities is a way to wish them luck and abundance.

Graduations

Graduations are a big deal, marking the end of one journey and the start of another. Giving a gold gift on such occasions is the perfect way to honor this transition in a person's life. Consider gifting a new graduate a slick gold watch, classic gold bracelet, or prestigious gold commemorative coin to give them a sense of power as they enter a new chapter in their life.

Business & corporate gifts

Gold is a classy way to show appreciation for and strengthen ties with business clients, partners, or employees. Gifts like a gold pen, gold cufflinks, or commemorative gold coin can be a statement of respect that makes the recipient feel valued.

Keep reading: Why Buy Gold? Reasons to Invest in Physical Gold Bullion

Ways to gift gold

Gold is a versatile gift that can match any occasion and any recipient. Whether you’re looking to make a grand gesture or a subtle statement, you’ll find the perfect gold gift for any situation. Below are some different ways to gift gold.

Jewelry

Gold jewelry is a suitable gift for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and religious occasions, making a timeless gift that can be worn and appreciated by the recipient on a daily basis.

Popular ways to give gold jewelry include gifting rings, bracelets, watches, or earrings, all of which can be personalized with an engraved name, date, or message to add a touch of sentimentality. For something different, consider wearable bullion pieces that double as an excellent investment.

The only drawback with buying gold jewelry is that you should have a good idea of the person’s style and taste to ensure you buy something they like and will want to wear.

Read: Is Gold Jewelry a Good Investment?

Gold bullion bars or coins

Gold bullion bars and coins are such a thoughtful and special way to give gold as a gift. They’re not only an excellent investment but show the recipient that you value and respect their prosperity and good fortune.

Gifting gold bars and coins is a great way to treat someone on their birthday, graduation, wedding, or significant life events. They also make fantastic corporate gifts for clients, partners, and employees.

Commemorative gold coins can be a cherished keepsake and are ideal for those who value beauty, art, and history. Gold bullion bars are slightly less sentimental and personal, but more strongly demonstrate wealth and prosperity

See more: What Are the Best Gold Bars to Buy? and What are the Best Gold Coins to Buy and Why? From Kruggerands to Maple Leafs

Things to consider when gifting gold

While most gold gifts are likely to be valued and cherished by the recipient, there are some things to consider that can help ensure you give a gift that’s perfect for the occasion.

• Budget: Buying gold doesn’t have to be a costly affair. For example, gold bullion bars and coins come in different sizes and weights that can make buying gold a more accessible gift. For example, you can buy gold bars in weights from 1g and 5g all the way up to 500g and 1 kg.
• Purity: Gold purity is measured in karats, with pure gold being 24-karat. Understanding the karat system can help you gauge the value of your gift and spot gold-plated items.
• Tax implications: Depending on where you live, there may be tax implications when it comes to giving gold as a gift. For example, in the U.S. the value of gold given as a gift may count towards the annual gift tax exclusion limit, which is around $17,000 per recipient. This means that if the value of your gold gift exceeds that limit, you may have to pay tax on the excess amount.
• Certificates of authenticity: It might be important to keep the certificates of authenticity and ownership that often come when buying physical gold products. This can be helpful when gold is inherited or sold in the future.
• Personal taste: While gold is a timeless gift that’s universally valued and cherished, it’s important to consider the recipient’s personal taste when choosing a gold gift. For example, some people may not see the value in a gold bar or coin and may prefer gold jewelry. The opposite can also be true.

Keep reading: Gold Purity, Fineness, And Karat – What Is It And How To Check It

Summary: Giving gold as a gift

There are so many reasons why gold is such an original and valuable gift, from its universal appeal to its enduring value and symbolism of wealth and prosperity. But you don’t have to stick to gold to demonstrate these sentiments - other precious metals are just as valuable, sought-after, and treasured.

If you’re looking for gold and silver gifts to give to someone special, you’re in the right place. StoneX Bullion™️ carries a wide range of investment-grade gold and silver bars and coins from the world’s most prestigious mints, as well as a collection of wearable gold bullion jewelry. Browse our range of precious metals and find a gift that will be cherished for a lifetime.