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What Are The Best Phrases To Say When Giving A Gift?
Discover 50 Amazing Phrases For Any Occasions

You have found the perfect gift, beautifully packaged it, and all you have to do is give it to your recipient. But you're lost for words and don't know what to say? Here's you'll find the best phrases to say when giving a gift.

What phrases you can use when giving a gift depends on the occasion and your relationship with the recipient. There are many unique expressions to say, from funny gift-giving phrases on Christmas to more elegant words on weddings. But the most important thing is always to be sincere.

Below I listed 50 of the best-of-the-best heartfelt phrases on different occasions you can say when giving a gift! But first, let's find out the general rules that will help make your gift-giving speech genuinely thoughtful.

5 Basic Rules Of Successful Phrases
When Giving A Gift

1. Emphasize How Much The Recipient Means To You

Man handing a woman a heart shape

First and foremost, always remember that everything you say should be for the recipient and about the recipient.

It sounds obvious, but, in fact, when giving a gift, people unconsciously shift the focus from the recipient to themselves.

We all fall into this trap from time to time, but not because we want to show the recipient how much time and effort we’ve put into finding the perfect gift. The reason is simple -  all our wishes just slip our mind as soon as we hand a present to our recipient.

So the next time you give a gift and feel stuck trying to find the right words, take a deep breath and just say how much the recipient means to you. Emphasize how you appreciate their love, friendship, care, or support. Such sincere words are like one more gift from you. 

2. Be Sincere In Your Wishes To The Recipient

Cute card with wishes

You don't need to make up something extraordinary if you want your gift-giving experience to be meaningful to your recipient.

It is quite easy to express your love, care, and respect - just tell about your feelings.

I believe that sincerity makes key to a successful and enjoyable giving of gifts.

Indeed, nothing but heartfelt, kind words can melt the recipient's heart and make the gift-giving experience truly remarkable and unforgettable.

And no matter if you’re giving a gift to your better half, a best friend, or a respected colleague, I'm sure your recipient will highly appreciate your sincere words. Hearty wishes will undoubtedly touch your recipient to the core and stir up strong emotions, whether childlike delight or tears of joy.

3. Don’t Apologize For Your Gift

Cute smile with Sorry letters

"I couldn't spend very much!", "I'm not sure if you like it," "This gift is so small."

Are these phrases familiar to you?

I'm almost 100% sure that nearly everyone made such excuses at least once in their life when giving a gift.

And such phrases are something you should never say to the recipient. No matter how small or inexpensive your gift is, you don’t need to feel uncomfortable or even guilty of not being able to afford something better.

If you make your present thoughtful, its size and cost don't play any role, so there are no reasons for excuses. Moreover, I don't even doubt that your recipient will appreciate anything you give them. So when giving a gift, be confident and positive!

4. Don't Focus On The Money Aspect Of A Gift

Piggy bank with coins

A little below, I will provide you with the best phrases to say when giving a gift, but for now, you just need to remember six words you never should mention to the recipient - "This gift will save you money."

The new study on consumers’ response to gifts found that people negatively react to gifts given to them with the intention of saving money.

Such wording might make the recipient feel offended and perceive your gift as a slight rather than a compliment.

But it doesn't mean you can't give your dear ones gifts intended to help them save some money while they are having financial difficulties. When giving a gift, you just have to highlight other benefits of your present that aren't about money so that no one will feel uncomfortable.

5. Use The Right Tone When Giving A Gift

Gold Congrats sign

Last but not least, a correctly chosen tone for gift-giving makes all the difference.

So if you want your gift to be well-received, consider the occasion's level of formality and closeness of your relationship with the recipient.

In informal situations, like giving a gift to your beloved one, family, or good friends, you can use a casual, friendly tone with a touch of humor. And even if you lack words, a warm hug is also a suitable option.

But in more formal situations, like congratulating your boss, colleagues, or just someone you don't know well, such a casual tone might be perceived as inappropriate, if not impolite. In this case, your speech needs to be more conservative and respectful.

I hope these tips on how to make your gift-giving speech successful were helpful. And to find out what exactly phrases you can say when giving a gift, read on! I have a lot of useful and valuable information for you.

50 Remarkable Phrases To Say
When Giving A Gift
(For Different Occasions)

If you are here, you probably wonder how to find the right words to express your love, care, and respect to your recipient when giving them a gift.

I know, sometimes it can be pretty challenging to choose the best phrase, but no worry, I prepared expressions that will make your gift-giving speech thoughtful and memorable.

Whether it's a birthday, job promotion, or wedding, below you will find the perfect gift-giving phrases on nearly any occasion.

Great Gift-Giving Phrases To Say On Birthday

Light box with Birthday word

  • Hold out your hands and close your eyes! I hope this small gift will make your birthday even more joyful and brighter!

  • Best wishes! I have something special for you on this special day, and I hope you like it. Enjoy this gift!

 

  • I wish you all the best and give you this little present which I'm sure will bring you unutterable joy! Happy Birthday!

  • On this special day, I want to give you a gift that will come in handy for you. And I hope this useful present will please you with its benefits for years to come!

  • It's hard to find the right words, so I just want to give you a warm hug and, of course, this amazing present. Enjoy your birthday and my gift!

Heartfelt Gift-Giving Phrases On Anniversary

Happy anniversary card

  • This gift, of course, can't express all my feelings to you, but I hope it becomes a little reminder of my love. Happy anniversary!

  • I want to give you this gift as a token of my gratitude for all the happy days together. Happy anniversary, my sweetheart!

 

  • Guess what I have for you? - All my love and this cute gift that I'm sure will please you!

  • I wish you another year of true love and give you this wonderful gift that will hopefully add brightness and joy to your life!

  • Happy anniversary! Here's a little present for you that I hope will add vivid colors to your memories of today's celebration.

Romantic Gift-Giving Phrases To Impress Your Loved One On Valentine's Day

Gifts and cards for Valentine's Day

  • I could move mountains for you, but I think this gift will express my sincere feelings to you much better. Happy Valentine’s Day, my love!

  • I'm so happy that you're My Valentine! Take all my love and this thoughtful gift on this beautiful occasion!

 

  • On this romantic day, I want to give you a gift that will always remind you of my love. So take care of it, as you take care of my heart!

  • No words can't express my everlasting love, so I hope that this gift will become to you a delightful reminder of my sincere feelings. Happy Valentine's Day!

  • I got you something special! And although my gift is quite small, I hope it will always remind you that my love for you is huge. Happy Valentine’s Day, honey!

Elegant Phrases For A Wedding Gift-Giving Speech

Mr & Mrs freestanding letter on table

  • May the years ahead be filled with great joy and happiness! And I hope this gift will help you with it! Best wishes!

  • Heartfelt congratulations to the best couple ever! I hope this gift will be able to express how happy I'm for both of you!

 

  • Congratulations on your wedding! Here's a little something to start your happy life together. Enjoy!

  • My gift can't make this day even more special, but I hope it will bring you lasting joy! Wishing you the best!

  • I have a little something for you! I hope you will not only like this gift but will use it in your new life together!

Excellent Phrases To Say
When Giving A Housewarming Gift

Housewarming party

  • Congrats on the move! I have for you a small present that I'm sure will add brightness and cheerfulness to your new home!

  • Congratulations on your new place! I hope this nice gift will make your new family nest a bit comfier!

 

  • Here's something useful for you! I hope my gift can help make your new home more cozy and comfy!

  • May your new home be filled with joy and coziness! And this great gift will definitely help you with this!

  • Your new home is almost perfect! To be completely perfect, it just needs my gift! I'm sure this cute gift will turn your new place into a truly "home, sweet home."

Nice Gift-Giving Phrases On Job Promotion

Job promotion postcards

  • Congratulations on your job promotion! I hope this gift will help you keep all your career goals in focus!

  • Congratulations on your well-deserved promotion! Here's a small gift to celebrate your big success! I hope you enjoy it!

 

  • Nice work! I'd like to give you this special present that I hope will motivate you on new achievements!

  • Congrats, you deserved this great promotion! And definitely deserved this exceptional gift on this remarkable occasion!

  • Your promotion will bring you new challenges and opportunities, and my gift will bring you pure pleasure and joy! Enjoy!

Best Phrases To Say When Giving A Graduation Gift

Congrats grad balloon

  • Congrats on your successful graduation. Here's a little gift to celebrate your outstanding achievement! I hope you enjoy it!

  • Congratulations on your graduation! I want to give you this gift that will be a wonderful reminder of this important milestone for years to come!

 

  • Congratulations on your graduation day! I hope this great gift will perfectly emphasize the importance of this occasion!

  • Best wishes, grad! I have a useful gift for you that will undoubtedly come in handy at a new stage of your adult life!

  • Congrats, grad! I got you something great to celebrate your brilliant success! I hope you like my gift!

Touching Phrases To Say
When Giving A “Just Because” Gift

Beautiful flowers

  • I know life has been a little challenging lately, but I thought this small gift would be able to brighten up your day!

  • For no special occasion, and nothing special to say, but I hope this little something makes you smile today!

 

  • You’re in my thoughts today. Here's a small gift just to remind you that you're in my heart forever!

  • Look what I have for you on this beautiful day! When I saw this, it made me think of you, and I couldn't resist! I hope you like this lovely gift!

  • I was thinking of you all day and understood that I just want to remind you how special you are. I hope this cute present will make you feel that way.

Funny Gift-Giving Phrases On Christmas

Christmas gift

  • I know you're on Santa's naughty list, but you're on my nice list! So here's a gift for you! Merry Christmas!

  • Ho-ho-ho! Ok, I'm not a Santa. But I also have a gift for you! I'm sure this present will cause you a childlike delight!

 

  • Santa told me in secret that you’d been very good this year! So you deserved this fantastic gift! Enjoy!

  • Santa came to me today and asked me to give you this gift. I don't know what's inside, but I hope you like it!

  • I secretly stole in Santa your wish list for this Christmas to make you this wonderful gift. I risked my life for this, so you better say you liked it!

Cute Gift-Giving Phrases On Baby Shower

Hello baby balloons

  • Warmest wishes to you and your baby! I hope this modest gift will come in handy in your new parenting life!

  • So happy to share with you this special day! Here's a little something to help you gear up for your baby.

 

  • Best wishes to your beautiful family! Are you ready to be ‘shower’ with a few lovely things for a baby?

  • Welcome to parenthood! Here's a useful gift that hopefully will make your day-to-day a little easier and calmer.

  • A baby is a gift from heaven above! My gift for you is more down-to-earth, but I think you’re going to like it!



Now that you know all these phrases, I hope you will never again feel stuck when you give a gift. I'm sure, thanks to these great phrases, your present will always be well-received! 

About the Author

author picture

Hi! I'm Yasia, founder of giftideaspace.com. I’m passionate about gift-giving, and I’m here to help you choose perfect gifts for your loved ones. I will always provide you with the best possible gift ideas and explain, based on statistics, scientific studies, and my own experience, why one or another gift is the best option to surprise your recipient.