Lifestyle & HealthUpdated on 2025/2/15

What is the meaning of White Day return gifts? We explain what to give to loved ones, what to give to those you are obliged to give, and what you need to be careful of.

March 14th is White Day. Many people are probably wondering, "What should I give as a Valentine's Day gift?" In fact, different types of gifts have different meanings. In this article, we will introduce the meanings of White Day gifts. We will also explain things you need to be careful of, so please use this as a reference.

A list of the meanings of White Day gifts! Check out the points to note too!

Sweets spread across the table

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Many people give sweets such as candy and cookies as return gifts on White Day. In fact, there are many different meanings behind White Day return gifts.

We will also explain the meanings of sweets that are suitable for a special someone or a friend, as well as sweets that have meanings that you should be careful of. We will also explain the meanings of recommended items to give as return gifts to people who don't like sweets.

[Sweets/Favorite] List of meanings of White Day gifts

Pink, white and brown macaroons with raspberries

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There are a wide variety of sweets for gifts to a loved one, including macarons, candy, BAUM, madeleines, etc. Although they are all suitable gifts for a loved one, they each have different meanings, so it is recommended to choose a gift that perfectly reflects your feelings for the other person.

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Macaroons

Macarons mean "You are special." They are a popular sweet among women due to their cute appearance, so they would make a great White Day gift.

Candy

Candy is a typical White Day gift. Candy conveys the meaning of "I love you." As the sweetness can be enjoyed for a long time in the mouth, it is a gift that conveys the wish to continue this sweet time and have a sweet relationship.

BAUM

BAUM Kuchen, also known as the "wooden cake". The appearance of multiple layers overlapping is likened to the accumulation of time, and it has the meaning of "so that happiness will last forever". BAUM Kuchen is an auspicious sweet that is often used for wedding greetings and gifts. It is a good idea to give it to your partner with the desire to continue happiness for a long time.

Madeleine

Madeleines on a wooden table

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Madeleines mean "I want to become closer to you" and "I want to build a special relationship." Madeleines are based on the motif of a bivalve shell. The way the two shells overlap has come to evoke images of intimacy and a harmonious relationship.

Confetti

Konpeito candy is a sweet that means "I love you." Konpeito is a type of candy, and just like candy, it has the characteristic of being able to enjoy its sweetness for a long time, so it symbolizes wanting to continue this sweet time and maintain a sweet relationship. Small and cute, konpeito candy is the perfect White Day gift to give to someone you love.

caramel

Caramel, characterized by the gentle sweetness of milk and sugar, means "you feel safe when you're together." The way it slowly melts in your mouth seems to evoke the image of hearts opening up and a sense of security being born. It's a return gift with NUANCE of trust and affection, rather than strong affection.

[Sweets/Obligation] List of White Day return gifts

Cookies and almonds on craft paper

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Sometimes people prepare gifts in return for their obligations, such as friends, coworkers, and people they have acquaintances with. For gifts in return, cookies or white chocolate are recommended, as they mean "let's stay friends." Here we will introduce White Day gifts in return for obligations and the origins of their meanings.

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cookie

These cookies have the meaning of "Let's stay friends." The cookie's crispy texture (=not moist) led to the meaning of "not moist like a lover = wanting to remain friends." Because they are easy to distribute to a large number of people, they are a good gift for obligations.

White Chocolate

White chocolate is a return gift that means "I want our relationship to continue as before" or "I don't dislike you, but let's just stay friends." The white color of white chocolate evokes the image of purity, so it means that you want to keep the relationship pure without progressing further.

[Sweets/Caution] List of White Day gifts

Chocolates in a gift box

iStock.com/limpido

Among the return gifts, there are some sweets that you need to be careful about. You need to be careful not to give a return gift that does not reflect your feelings for the other person and make the relationship awkward. Here, we will introduce the sweets you need to be careful about and their meanings.

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marshmallow

Marshmallows mean "I hate you." Their ephemeral nature, which melts away quickly, gives the impression of "gently refusing" or "the relationship will not last long." It's best to refrain from giving them as a return gift to your true love.

chocolate

Chocolate is synonymous with Valentine's Day. If you return chocolate received on Valentine's Day on White Day, it means "I will return the feelings you gave me" or "I cannot accept your feelings." It is not a recommended return gift for your special someone.

Gummy

Gummy candies are a return gift that means "I hate you." The characteristics of gummy candies, such as chewing them and dissolving quickly in the mouth, are what lead to the meaning of "I hate you." There are also many cute gummy candies in the shape of characters, so you need to be careful when returning a gift.

What sweets have no particular meaning?

Whole apple pie and apples

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Sweets that don't have any particular meaning include puddings, rusks, castella, cakes, etc. These include puddings that are popular with women and simple-tasting rusks, so if you're having trouble deciding what to give on White Day, be sure to try them out.

Also, since Ba Ren Day's Day originated in Europe, it does not have any special meaning in Japanese sweets. These are gifts that can be given without considering the meaning, but be sure to consider the expiration date and allergies when choosing the recipient.

Is apple pie okay if you understand the pun?

March 14th, White Day, is also known as "Pi Day" or "Pi Day" because of the number "3.14". In fact, it is said that there is a tradition of giving pies on March 14th overseas as well. Although it is a little-known custom, it might be fun to give an apple pie as a humorous gift.

[Things] List of White Day gifts

A bouquet of carnations, masterwort and daisies

iStock.com/naotoshinkai

There are times when gifts other than sweets are given as return gifts on White Day. Just like sweets, each item has a meaning behind it. By giving a return gift with a meaning in mind, your feelings will be conveyed more clearly. Here we will introduce the items that are often used as return gifts on White Day and their meanings.

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Mugs

When a man gives a woman a mug, it means "I want to spend time together at home" or "I want to go to your house." Mugs are used to relax at home, so they have come to have such meanings. When giving a mug, be careful not to be misunderstood unintentionally.

ring

As you can imagine from the word engagement ring, rings have the meanings of "marriage" and "eternity". Among gifts given to lovers, "rings" have a special meaning. Because they have the meaning of marriage, make sure to give them to someone you are seriously thinking about your future with.

Necklaces/Bracelets

Necklaces and bracelets have the meaning of "I want to keep you to myself". It is reminiscent of the act of putting a chain around the neck or wrist, so it has come to mean bondage. Accessories is often given as a gift between lovers. Be careful not to give it casually, as it may be perceived as heavy.

flower

Giving flowers as a White Day gift in itself has no meaning, but each flower has its own meaning. If you want to express your affection, choose flowers that represent love, such as tulips, SWEETPEA, or roses, and if you want to deepen your friendship, choose flowers that represent friendship, such as gerberas or mimosas.

HANDKERCHIEF

HANDKERCHIEF is a return that means "I want to break up with you." HANDKERCHIEF has an image of wiping away tears, so it is associated with a breakup. HANDKERCHIEF is useful as a small gift, but you need to be careful if you give it as a gift in return for White Day.

socks

Socks mean "I trust you." Because they are a worn item, they are said to represent the desire to be by someone's side. However, since socks are an everyday item, they don't carry much deeper meaning. There are many reasonably priced socks, so they are also recommended as a casual return gift.

10 Recommended Sweets for White Day Gifts!

1. "Ginza COLOMBIN Tokyo" Biscuit Assortment

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1,296 yen

・Contents: 20 pieces (3 Creer Moussand VANI-×yuyu, 3 Creer Moussand Chocolate ×, 4 plain pie ×, 3 domino×es, 2 pistachios×, 3 rose citron ×, 2 raspberry ×)
Best before date: 150 days at room temperature from the date of manufacture

This luxurious gift box allows you to enjoy a wide variety of cookies at once. It contains many classic baked goods such as cookies, pies, and langue de chat. The colorful and stylish design is also attractive, and will lift your spirits just by looking at it. You can enjoy a variety of flavors, such as fragrant pistachio and tart raspberry.

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2. "&OKOSHI" & OKOSHI Assorted Set 16 pieces

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2,070 yen

・Contents: Almond caramel, ginger, matcha milk, butter honey, mixed nuts, Cafe latte, strawberry, crushed cookies 2 pieces each
・Shelf life: 60 days at room temperature from the date of manufacture

A stick type that can be easily pinched for a modern atmosphere. The lineup includes a wide variety of flavors, including the mellow "Almond Caramel," the Japanese-inspired "Matcha Milk," the pungent "Ginger," and the stylish "Cafe Latte." The crunchy texture will give you a MANZOKU feeling. It has a light yet elegant flavor.

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3. "TSUJIRIHEIHONTEN" Kyoto Matcha Bamboo BAUM

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2,484 yen

・Contents: 1 bottle
Best before date: 31 days from the date of manufacture at room temperature

This matcha BAUM has a Japanese taste and is based on the shape of bamboo. It is made to take advantage of the culture of Kyoto, a place well known for its bamboo production, and is finished in a shape that exudes Japanese elegance. The mellow flavor of Uji matcha and Creer is exquisite. The rich flavor and sweetness of the rich tea leaves, and the moderate bitterness are irresistible. How about giving this as a gift to a matcha lover?

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4. "BAUM und BAUM" Zweiberge Plain

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2,592 yen

・Contents: 1 piece
Best before date: 30 days from the date of shipment at room temperature

This dish is a moist baked dish of traditional German BAUM kuchen for Japan people. No baking powder or margarine is used, and only butter is used for a refined flavor. The key point is that it is carefully baked layer by layer, and you can feel the fluffy and soft texture. It has a standard plain flavor that allows you to directly feel the natural deliciousness of the ingredients.

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5. "Patti THREE Sadahar AO Ki Paris" Coffret Assortimon de Biscuit Petit

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3,240 yen

・Contents: 200g (Les Insins, Argues WRAY, Macaron Rusk Petit, Chocolat, Moulangs Phrase, Vanille Coco, Vanille, Chocolat au Zamande, Viennois [9 types, 9 items])
Best before date: 60 days at room temperature from the date of manufacture

This is an assorted gift that includes 9 types of stylish and unique cookies. "Resan" made with cinnamon and raisins, and sweet and sour strawberry Ren ge"Merangue Fraise", baked macaron dough "Macaron Rusk PetitThe lineup includes items such as ". The white and silver cookie tin features a Parisian streetscape, creating a stylish atmosphere.

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6. "DEMEL" Kleinekuchen 12 pieces

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3,240 yen

・Contents: 6 each of fig and pistachio
Best before date: 120 days from the date of manufacture at room temperature

These bite-sized cakes are baked with chocolate wrapped in a richly flavored dough. They come in two varieties: "Fig," a sweet chocolate with figs wrapped in a cocoa-flavored dough, and "Pistachio," a milk chocolate with sour cherries wrapped in a pistachio-flavored dough. The elegant packaging makes them the perfect gift for fashionable women.

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7. "ADACHIOTOEMON" Wasanbon Sugar Filling Cookie Tin

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3,240 yen

・Contents: 30 cookies
Best before date: 30 days from the date of manufacture at room temperature

This cookie gift uses wasanbon sugar for a light, crispy texture. It has a subtle, refined sweetness and a slightly sophisticated flavor. Made with only simple ingredients such as flour, butter, and almond powder, you can enjoy the simple, comforting, and gentle taste. It melts smoothly in your mouth and is so delicious you'll want to eat it again and again.

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8. "GLAMOURDISE" Basic Macarons Set of 12

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3,564 yen

・Contents: 12 pieces (1 piece each of 12 types such as New York cheesecake, strawberry white chocolate, SISI lian pistachio, chocolate caramel sale, chocolate banana, etc.)
Best before date: Refrigerated 5 days from the date of shipment

Colorful and stylish macaron gifts are perfect for giving to your favorite person. You can enjoy unique flavors such as the "New York Cheesecake" made with homemade butter and Danish Creer cheese, the "Blackcurrant Chocolate" with its refreshing aroma, and the "Zestiyuz" made with yuzu from Shikoku. It is characterized by its moist and elegant texture.

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9. "La Maison du Chocolat" Financier 8 pieces

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3,672 yen

・Contents: 8 financiers
Best before date: 35 days at room temperature from the date of manufacture

This gift set includes four types of financiers, including "Nature," which is rich in the flavor of almond powder, and "Chocolat," which offers a rich sweetness. The outside is crispy and the inside is moist. You can fully enjoy the refined flavor of the ingredients. The elegant silver-based packaging makes it the perfect way to convey special feelings.

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10. "CLUBHARIE" Harrie Assote

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4,212 yen

Contents: 5 pieces of leaf pie, 5 pieces of financier and 5 pieces of madeleine
Best before date: 8 days from the date of shipment at room temperature

This is an assortment gift of 3 types of classic baked goods from "CLUBHARIE". The lineup includes a buttery financier, a madeleine with a refreshing lemon aroma, and a leaf pie with a light mouthfeel. It contains multiple types of sweets, making it a perfect White Day gift at work. It's individually wrapped, so it's easy to distribute to multiple people.

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Choose a gift that suits your mood

White Day gifts have various meanings. By choosing a gift with a lot of thought put into it, you can enjoy White Day even more. Use this article as a reference and find the gift that best suits your feelings.

View White Day Gifts

*Product information and sales status are current as of February 15, 2025.
Please note that the information may differ from current information.

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