New Year’s Eve is a night of parties and fresh starts, with hosts and friends often exchanging small gifts.
Christmas Eve is traditionally when families gather, decorate and open the first gifts.
Hanukkah is the eight-night Jewish Festival of Lights, beginning at sundown on 24 December, with a gift for each night, gelt and family gatherings.
Christmas is the biggest gifting day of the year in the US and is also widely celebrated in India.
Kwanzaa is a seven-day celebration of African-American culture and heritage, with a gift exchange (zawadi) on the final day.
Giving Tuesday is a global day of generosity, a nice moment to give a donation in a loved one’s name.
Small Business Saturday encourages shopping from independent local businesses and makers.
Cyber Monday is the online counterpart of Black Friday with deals on tech and online-only offers.
Children’s Day in India is celebrated on 14 November and is a popular occasion to gift books, toys and games to kids.
Thanksgiving is a family feast and a day for gratitude, with hostess gifts and thank-you gestures.
Black Friday kicks off the holiday shopping season with big discounts, a great time to pick up gifts early.
Veterans Day honours those who served in the US armed forces, with thank-you gestures and donations.