15 Gifts That Bring Good Luck—And Six Bad-Luck Presents You Should Never Give

In Feng Shui, the traditional art of Chinese geomancy, fish represent wealth and prosperity. This also one of the reasons why koi ponds are prolific in Japanese garden designs. For a functional take on these swimmers, look for something like these koi napkin rings by Joanna Buchanan, a perfect gift for couples who look to host with abundance.

Bamboo is said to have been used in Feng Shui for over 5,000 years as a vehicle for Chi energy. The thought goes that positive energy moves through the hollow plant, allowing for health and wealth to grow. A bamboo plant is always a lovely gift for a new home (or a new marriage—consider the relationship advice to "bend like bamboo" in arguments, finding compromises that won't break you).

But we believe you can interpret the symbol broadly, and think outside the potted plant to items such as bamboo-handled flatware, or this Quince bamboo sheet set. (And if you spot bamboo sheets on a couple's registry, you're golden!) What’s more, designer Lindsey Putzier in Hudson, Ohio, notes that since bamboo sheets are on the pricier side, it’s not something most people would purchase for themselves.

The elephant is a symbol of success and wisdom, which is rooted in narratives from Southeast Asia. The association of elephants with luck may be related to Ganesha—the Hindu god with an elephant’s head known for removing obstacles. These animals are scene-stealers, so to make sure your lucky gift will fit into anyone's decor, consider scaling down and amping up on detail. Think keepsake boxes with ornamental touches, like this candle by L'Objet.

Burning incense is said to manifest positive vibes, especially if you opt for scents like sandalwood, which is said to have cleansing properties. The lucky link goes back to rituals that use the burning of incense to enhance spirituality in Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity. It can also amp up the ambience in any home—especially when burned in a chic vessel like Tom Dixon's Fog Incense Set.

The colorful beauties aren't just elegant; they're also a symbol of luck in Hinduism as the flock is associated with Lord Krishna. Buddhists see these sacred birds are symbols of watchfulness, likely because the feathers evoke eyes. And in Christianity, they symbolize eternal life, because an early legend held that peacocks did not decay after death. With a single peacock gift—Like the Ida towel hook from Anthropologie—you're wishing the recipient luck, protection, and long life.

There's a reason Japanese businessmen give orchid plants to associates as a sign of good fortune—the plants were associated with nobility in 17th century Japan. You can always give a potted orchid as lucky, gorgeous, and fragrant gift. But this candle, inspired by the Taiwanese Aerangis orchid, is a creative alternative for friends who might not have a green thumb. It also has a perfect name for newlyweds starting a life together: The Beginning. Just warn the couple orchids are also linked with virility—because the Ancient Greeks thought the bulbs resembled male genitalia.

In Ancient Greece, palm leaves were presented to winning athletes for their victories. Palms are also Islamic symbols of peace and resolving conflict. Any object showing a palm tree or frond is lucky, but these jungle print napkins are especially thoughtful because "dining room linens are often overlooked," Putzier adds. "A good, quality set of cloth napkins, a nice tablecloth, and some pretty placemats can really complete a tablescape."

There's no more apt symbol for a fruitful marriage or home. (This is why the fruit bowl, along with the fish, are among the 12 lucky ornaments in Kurt Adler's set for newlyweds, another perfect wedding gift.)

A cracked teacup can attract bad luck, so set them up with some new ones, which represent friendship. The Delft-inspired motif in this Spode set is perfect for that something blue, too. Pair it with loose leaf tea, as scattering it in the house is said to ward off evil spirits.

You might not think that an insect makes the perfect gift, but crickets are considered fortuitous in Asian, European, and Native American cultures because they're associated with the harvest, are very fertile, and make happy music. It’s no coincidence Jimmy Cricket was the voice of reason in Pinocchio. This brass cricket by Balywood brings luck to any mantelpiece.

Ancient Egyptians lauded the lotus flower as it symbolized creation and rebirth. The sacred bloom is also a popular flower in Chinese weddings, as it is said to represent a shared heart. And, of course, the Buddha sits on a lotus throne. While a throne may not be in the budget for a gift, Lalique's lotus-etched crystal barware is a lovely alternative.

Several cultures believe that gifting a sharp object such as a knife or scissors can sever ties with the recipient. In the Mediterranean, handing someone a sharp object foreshadows a fight in the future. Maybe skip a fancy letter opener too, just in case.

If, however, you want to pick up a knife set—say this Cuisinart 15-Piece Knife Set—off a couple's registry, just have them hand you a penny to "buy" it from you. That makes it not actual gift, negating the bad luck.

This Newgate Honeybee Wall Clock is adorable. But maybe something a person should buy for themselves rather than receive as a gift. Naturally, a clock is a symbol of time—and, according to Feng Shui, gifting one can imply that time is running out. Worse yet, a malfunctioning clock gives off negative energy.

Hankies bearing their new monogram seems like a super-thoughtful gift (and this set goes with everything). But you might want to reconsider. In Chinese culture, a hankie is considered a parting gift, and if you give a set to the couple, it might imply that you’re saying goodbye to them…forever.

An arrangement they never have to worry about replacing may seem like a genius gift. But in Feng Shui, dried flowers lack energy because they are, well, dead. They can also be harborers of dust and, in turn, negative Chi that stagnates life