Is Gifting a Wallet Good or Bad? What People Believe, and How to Do It Well
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There is no single rule, and people hold different views. The most common belief in India is not that a wallet is unlucky, but that an empty wallet is. Because of that, many people put a coin or a note inside before they give one. A few writers on Vastu and astrology go further and advise against giving a wallet at all. Many people simply see a wallet as a useful, lasting gift.
We make wallets for a living, so keep that in mind. Here is what people believe, written as beliefs and not as facts, and then how to give a wallet well whatever your family's view.
What do people believe about gifting a wallet?
An empty wallet is not auspicious. This is the custom you will hear most. The idea is that money attracts money, so a wallet handed over with nothing in it is a wish for nothing. The same custom exists in other countries too. To avoid it, the giver puts something inside.
Some Vastu and astrology writers say to avoid it. A few popular Vastu sites list wallets and money bags among gifts not to give, saying a wallet passes the giver's financial luck to the receiver. Others do not mention wallets at all. This is not a view held by everyone, and it differs between families and regions.
Many people see no problem. A wallet is something a man uses every day, which is why it is one of the most common gifts for birthdays, anniversaries and Diwali.
What do people put inside a gifted wallet?
The usual custom is a coin or a note. Many families add one rupee on top of a round amount, for example ₹101 or ₹501, because an amount ending in zero is seen as plain or unlucky, and the extra rupee marks a fresh start. For small gifts, some people put only a ₹1 coin.
What you put in is up to you and your family's custom. There is no amount that is right everywhere.
How to give a wallet well
- Start with him, not the superstition. Pick the wallet he will actually use: how many cards he carries, whether he carries cash and coins, and which pocket it goes in. Our guide to wallet gifts for a husband, dad or boyfriend goes through six options by budget.
- Add something personal. A name, initials, a logo or a favourite line can be laser engraved on the wallet, for ₹100 more on most of our wallets and free on some. A wallet with a name on it is no longer just a wallet; it is his.
- Put something inside. If it matters in your family, slip a coin or a note into the wallet yourself when you give it.
- Present it well. Each Thepps wallet comes wrapped in brown paper, sealed with a red wax seal, and packed in a pouch, so it is ready to give.
- When in doubt, ask. If you do not know what the person's family believes, ask someone close to them. A gift given with thought and care is what people remember.
Questions people ask
Is it bad luck to gift a wallet? People disagree. Some say it is only bad luck if the wallet is empty, a few say not to give one at all, and many say it is fine. We do not make claims about luck.
What should I put inside? A coin or a note is the usual custom. Many people add one rupee to a round amount, such as ₹101.
Can I give a wallet to my father, husband or boyfriend? Yes. Wallets are a common gift for all three. See our picks for each.
Is a personalized wallet a good gift? Many people think so, because it is made for one person. Personalized wallets cannot be returned unless damaged or defective, so check the spelling.