The occasion may be:

Expression of love or friendship.

Expression of gratitude for a gift received.

Expression of piety, in the form of charity.

Expression of solidarity, in the form of mutual aid.

To share wealth.

To offset misfortune.

Offering travel souvenirs.

Custom, on occasions (often celebrations) such as

A birthday (the person who has his or her birthday gives cake, etc. and/or receives gifts) This is most commonly from a family member orgirlfriend/boyfriend.[citation needed]

A potlatch, in societies where status is associated with gift-giving rather than acquisition.

Christmas (People give one another gifts, often supposedly receiving them from Santa Claus, the Christ child or Saint Nicholas.)

Feast of Saint Nicholas (People give each other gifts, often supposedly receiving them from Saint Nicholas.)

Easter baskets with chocolate eggs, jelly beans, and chocolate rabbits are gifts given on Easter.

Greek Orthodox Christians in Greece, will give gifts to family and friends on the Feast of Saint Basil.

Muslims give gifts to family and friends, known as Eidi, on Eid al-Fitr (the end of Ramadan) and on Eid al-Adha.

Jews gives Hanukkah gifts to family and friends.

Hindus give Diwali and Pongal gifts to family and friends.

Buddhists give Vesak gifts to family and friends.

Gifts are given to among African American families and friends on Kwanzaa.

A wedding (the couple receives gifts and gives food and/or drinks at the wedding reception.)

A wedding anniversary (each spouse receives gifts.)

A funeral (visitors bring flowers, the relatives of the deceased give food and/or drinks after the ceremonial part.)

A birth (the baby receives gifts, or the mother receives a gift from the father known as a push present.)

Passing an examination (the student receives gifts.)

Father's Day (the father receives gifts.)

Mother's Day (the mother receives gifts.)

Exchange of gifts between a guest and a host, often a traditional practice.

Lagniappe.

Retirement Gifts

Congratulations Gifts

Engagement Gifts

Housewarming party