White Day Return Gifts: Sweets That Make a Great Impression

March 14 is White Day. If you received Valentine's chocolate, giving a return gift is a Japanese custom. Even living abroad, many Japanese keep this tradition alive.

"What should I give?" "There aren't many options overseas." This article covers the best return-gift sweets and how to choose them for White Day.

What Is White Day?

White Day is a Japan-born event where men give return gifts to those who gave them Valentine's chocolate. It started in 1978 when Japan's National Confectionery Industry Association proposed "candy-giving day."

Today, not just candy but cookies, macarons, and chocolate are all popular White Day gifts.

The Meaning Behind Each Sweet

In Japan, different White Day sweets carry different "meanings." Here are the most commonly cited ones.

Marshmallow

Sometimes said to mean "I don't like you." But this is just a folk tale, and many people don't take it seriously. Marshmallows with chocolate inside can mean "I'm wrapping your feelings and returning them."

Cookies

A casual "let's stay friends" message. Perfect for returning obligation chocolate. Popular in the workplace since they're easy to give.

Hard Candy

Means "I like you." Because candy stays in the mouth a long time, it symbolizes a lasting relationship.

Macarons

Means "you're special to me." Their luxury feel makes them a popular choice for returning a heartfelt valentine.

Chocolate

No special meaning, simply a "return gift." Got chocolate, give chocolate back. A straightforward choice.

Budget Guidelines

White Day returns typically cost about the same as or up to 1.5 times the Valentine's chocolate received.

• Obligation chocolate return: about 500-1,000 yen
• Friendship chocolate return: about 500-1,500 yen
• Romantic chocolate return: about 1,500-3,000 yen

Going too expensive can make the recipient uncomfortable. Aim for the same price range or slightly above.

Recommended Return Gifts

For Obligation Returns (Work/Friends)

• Assorted cookies: Individually wrapped for easy sharing. Yoku Moku and gaufrettes are classic picks
• Financiers and madeleines: Baked goods keep well and are convenient for the office
• Wagashi set: Yokan and senbei assortments. Good for people who don't have a sweet tooth

For Your Special Someone

• Macarons: Gorgeous appearance and a sense of luxury
• Premium chocolate: Godiva, Royce, and other top brands
• Nama chocolate: Melt-in-your-mouth texture is always a hit (keep refrigerated)

White Day in HCMC

The Japanese community in HCMC keeps Valentine's and White Day traditions going strong. Workplace colleagues, kids' school friends, mom groups, there are more occasions to prepare returns than you'd expect.

How to Get Return Gifts in HCMC

• Stock up during trips to Japan: Buy in bulk during a February visit
• Order on the Farmi app: Order Japanese sweets in Japanese, delivered to your door
• Make them yourself: Bake cookies or chocolate (ingredients also available on the Farmi app)

Giving Etiquette

At the Workplace

• Prepare returns for everyone who gave you Valentine's chocolate
• If possible, give individually rather than leaving them in a pile
• Add a simple "Thank you for the Valentine's gift"

About Wrapping

Japanese culture values gift wrapping. Rather than handing over a plain shopping bag, take a moment to present it nicely with a gift bag or wrapping.

Summary

White Day returns should be around the same value to 1.5 times the Valentine's gift. Cookies and baked goods are a safe, crowd-pleasing choice. In HCMC, the Farmi app makes preparation easy.

Download the Farmi app and find the perfect White Day return gift.

Note: This article and some images were created with AI assistance and reviewed by our editorial team before publication.