A Guide to Cultures Where Women Gift Men on Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is often stereotypically seen as a day when men gift women flowers, chocolates, or jewelry. However, in certain cultures, women also take an active role in expressing their affection through gifts, making it a celebration of love from both sides. Here’s a breakdown of some notable examples:
1. Japan – Valentine’s Day & White Day
Custom: In Japan, Valentine’s Day is primarily a day when women give chocolates to men. This includes:
Giri-choco: “Obligation chocolate” for male coworkers, friends, or acquaintances.
Honmei-choco: “True feeling chocolate” for romantic partners or crushes.
Men reciprocate on White Day (March 14) with gifts, often chocolates, cookies, or jewelry, showing a reverse gifting tradition.
Why unique: Women actively initiate the gifting, making Valentine’s Day in Japan a female-driven tradition.
2. South Korea – Valentine’s Day & White Day
Custom: South Korea follows a similar two-step tradition as Japan:
February 14: Women give chocolates to men.
March 14 (White Day): Men reciprocate with gifts.
April 14 (Black Day): Singles celebrate with black noodles—but no gifts are typically exchanged here.
Gift types: Chocolates, personalized gifts, and sometimes romantic letters.
Cultural note: Valentine’s Day is seen as an opportunity for women to openly express their romantic feelings—a socially sanctioned moment to “make the first move.”
3. Taiwan & Hong Kong
Custom: Similar to Japan, women give chocolates or sweets to men on February 14.
Reciprocity: Men often respond on White Day.
Gift types: Popular gifts include chocolates, cakes, or small personal items such as ties or wallets.
Fun fact: Many couples see Valentine’s Day as “women’s day” in these cultures, while White Day is “men’s day.”
4. Finland & Estonia
Custom: In Finland, February 14 is “Friend’s Day”, where both men and women exchange gifts with friends and romantic partners.
Women gifting men: Not uncommon; flowers, chocolates, or cards can be given to men.
Cultural note: Romantic love is celebrated alongside friendship, which makes the holiday less gender-specific.
5. Latin American Countries (Mexico, Colombia, Brazil)
Custom: Valentine’s Day is known as:
Día del Amor y la Amistad (Mexico, Colombia)
Dia dos Namorados (Brazil, June 12)
Women gifting men: Women commonly give romantic gifts, such as chocolates, perfumes, or small jewelry.
Cultural nuance: The holiday often emphasizes mutual celebration of love and friendship, not just men gifting women.
6. Russia & Eastern Europe
Custom: Valentine’s Day is growing in popularity, especially among younger generations.
Women gifting men: Cards, chocolates, and small personal gifts are increasingly common.
Cultural note: While traditionally less emphasized, gender roles in gifting are more flexible in urban areas.
7. South Africa
Custom: Valentine’s Day is widely celebrated in urban areas.
Women gifting men: Chocolates, gifts, or handwritten letters are often given by women as expressions of love.
Interesting twist: Couples sometimes exchange gifts for romantic “fun,” making it more balanced than strictly male-gift traditions.
Tips for Receiving Gifts as a Man
Be open-minded: In cultures like Japan or South Korea, a gift from a woman is a significant gesture of affection.
Reciprocate politely: White Day in Japan/Korea encourages men to respond with gifts that are equal or higher in value.
Cherish the gesture: Even simple gifts, like a handwritten note, are culturally meaningful.
Respect local customs: In some cultures, workplace gifting (giri-choco) is expected and not necessarily romantic.
While Valentine’s Day is globally associated with men giving gifts to women, in countries like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, parts of Latin America, Finland, and South Africa, women often take the initiative. Gifts range from chocolates and sweets to letters and small accessories, reflecting local norms around romance and friendship. These traditions emphasize mutual appreciation and sometimes even give women a socially approved way to express romantic interest.
