When selecting a gift for March 8 or Defender of the Fatherland Day, it helps to start with the person who will receive it. Elena Sarattseva, Deputy Chairman of Roskachestvo, emphasized this approach in a discussion reported by a parliamentary newspaper. Her point is simple: the best gift respects the recipient’s tastes and avoids clichéd choices that miss the mark.
She cautioned against buying cosmetics for someone without knowing their preferences. Likewise, giving a gift tied to housework for a man can be misread as an outdated stereotype. Instead, she suggests leaning into contemporary ideas that feel fresh and relevant. For men, a thoughtful gift could revolve around cooking or culinary experiences. A truly creative option could be an original set of kitchen appliances or a kitchen master class tailored to his interests. The aim is to surprise him with something that feels modern, practical, and fun rather than prescriptive about gender roles.
Saratseva added that Roskachestvo’s survey sheds light on general preferences. According to the institution’s findings, perfumes and alcohol top the wish lists for men, while women particularly value flowers, jewelry, and cosmetics. The results underscore how gifts aligned with personal tastes and quality expectations tend to be received more positively, even in the face of formal occasions and national holidays.
Independent research from an online financial platform, Webbankir, which was shared with editors of socialbites.ca, offers another layer to understand gift dynamics. It shows that nearly half of respondents in Russia, about 46.1%, would prefer receiving money on February 23. Among other popular preferences for men, smartphones and other electronic devices appeared as a notable option, with 17.6 percent of respondents indicating this choice. The data highlights how practical gifts, alongside thoughtful tokens, can sometimes be seen as the most desirable option depending on the recipient’s circumstances and needs.
The discussion also touches on family gifting practices around February 23, with statements previously noted by Yuri Stoyanov about what gifts come from family members on that day. The pattern remains clear: knowing the recipient, balancing practicality with personal meaning, and choosing items that reflect contemporary tastes often leads to a satisfying and memorable gift experience.