Filipinos torn after Threads post urges partygoers to normalize gift-giving

Should guests arrive at parties bearing gifts, or is simply showing up enough? 

A Threads post calling for gift-giving to be normalized prompted Filipinos to reconsider the customs surrounding celebrations.

Content creator Yani Cuenca shared the now-deleted post, where she explained why she believes gift-giving should be normalized at celebrations and outlined personal rules for weddings, birthdays, and baby showers.

“Only in the PH na “congrats” or “happy birthday” lang ang dala ng bisita 🙃,” she added.

The conversation later spread to Reddit after a user reposted Cuenca’s post on r/WeddingsPhilippines, where users shared their own views on gift-giving etiquette.

While some users criticized Cuenca herself, calling her perspective “privileged,” many others shifted the discussion to whether gift-giving should be expected of guests in the first place.

A common sentiment was that invitations should not feel transactional. Several users noted that attending an event already requires time, effort, and money, and that hosts should not feel entitled to gifts from their guests.

They pointed to financial realities such as the costs of preparing for and traveling to an event, taking leave from work, and rising living expenses as reasons why gifts should not be expected at every celebration.

“In this economy?? Their presence is more than enough. The fact that they took the time to celebrate with you is already a gift,” one Reddit user wrote.

Others, however, felt that Cuenca’s point was being interpreted too harshly. They said gifts are thoughtful gestures that do not have to be expensive, and that bringing one is a common courtesy they were raised to practice.

“It’s not about the price of the gift. Just never come empty-handed. Simple lang. Thoughtfulness and gratitude ang tawag dun,” another Reddit user said.

Many users landed somewhere in the middle. They said gifts are appreciated, but shouldn’t be expected. Others added that they enjoy giving gifts when they can, but do not believe they should be required or reciprocated.

Despite their differing views, many users agreed that gift-giving remains a symbol of gratitude, generosity, and appreciation. Others, however, believed these values lose their meaning when gifts become obligations instead of voluntary acts of kindness.

The discussion also reflected broader shifts in how Filipinos view social etiquette. As celebrations come with travel expenses, time commitments, and other costs, the responses reflected changing attitudes toward long-held expectations surrounding gift-giving.

Although opinions remain divided, the discourse suggests that many Filipinos are placing greater value on celebrating with loved ones than on what arrives wrapped in a gift bag.

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