White Day is celebrated on March 14th each year, exactly one month after Valentine's Day. This is because unlike Western countries where both men and women give Valentine’s gifts to each other, in a lot of Asian countries Valentine’s Day is for women to give chocolate to men they love. Thus, a month later, on White Day, men who received chocolate gifts from women on Valentine's Day are expected to return the favor by giving them candy or other gifts. While White Day is often seen as a typical commercialized holiday that benefits candy brands more than the people themselves, it still serves as a nice reminder to show appreciation for our loved ones.

ⓒ Daum

White Day originated in Japan, where it was first introduced by a Japanese candy company in 1978. There are many different theories about its origin, but the most widely accepted one is that the CEO of a candy company read a magazine article in which a girl complained about the lack of gifts given to women in return for the chocolates they gave on Valentine's Day. In response, the CEO decided to create a candy gift-giving event called Marshmallow Day in 1978. Since then, other candy companies have embraced and promoted it as White Day, and it has spread across the country.

Initially, White Day was promoted as a day for men to give candy, marshmallow or white chocolate to women who had given them chocolates on Valentine's Day, thus creating a reciprocal gift-giving tradition. Later, this tradition spread to other Asian countries such as Korea, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, and Malaysia, where it took on slightly different meanings and gift-giving practices depending on the country. These days, it has developed into a culture of exchanging various gifts beyond just candy.

The name of the holiday, White Day, has a special meaning. The color white symbolizes purity, cleanliness, and true love. This connection suggests that the gifts exchanged on White Day represent the genuine feelings we hold for our loved ones. As such, it serves as a meaningful occasion to express and reaffirm our gratitude and affection for one another.

However, even when your feelings are genuine, it can sometimes be difficult to choose the right gift to express them to the person you love. Of course, the best gift depends on the person and situation, so the decision should ultimately be yours. However, we're here to offer a few very affordable suggestions to help guide your choice.

No. 1
Candy

ⓒ SSG The nostalgic Dalgona lollipop

As a traditional gift for White Day, candy of various shapes and flavors is not only a sweet, but also a very meaningful gift. Hard candy, in particular, symbolizes long-lasting love that doesn’t fade quickly. With such beautiful meaning behind your gift, it becomes easy to express your feelings. Plus, today there are countless candy options to choose from! For example, dalgona candy, which extremely grew in popularity after Squid Game drama release, could become a fun gift as well. The most popular Korean sweets brands are Lotte, Orion, Haitai, and Crown.

No. 2
Chocolate

ⓒ Orion Tokping Chocolate Almond + Hazelnut

Chocolate is also a very popular choice for White Day gifts. There are many different ways to give chocolate. It can be a luxurious chocolate bar, a box of chocolates or even handmade chocolate. While it's not mandatory, giving white chocolate is considered a nice touch, as it symbolizes the purity of your love. But even if you want to give a gift that wouldn’t be too burdensome for the receiver, it could be a simple affordable chocolate bar like these Tok Ping ones.

No.  3
Pepero

ⓒ Lotte Pepero Original Choco Cookies

Even though it’s not a Pepero Day, giving pepero as a gift is always a good idea. It’s simple, it’s delicious and it’s fun. So if you want to have another option of a gift that wouldn’t be too bothersome for the receiving person, Pepero could be your choice.

No. 4
Choco Pie

ⓒ Orion Choco Pie House Marbling Cream 2 Types

Choco Pie also makes an excellent gift for White Day because it’s a beloved, iconic treat in Korea that symbolizes warmth and affection. The soft, fluffy marshmallow filling and chocolate coating create a deliciously sweet experience, making it a comforting and nostalgic gift. Its popularity and appeal across all ages also ensure that it’s a thoughtful, widely appreciated gift, perfect for expressing your feelings. Plus, its easy-to-share packaging makes it a great option for both casual and intimate celebrations.

No. 5
Yeot (Korean traditional confectionery)

ⓒ SSG Injeolmi Yeot

Yeot is a wonderful gift for White Day because it’s a traditional Korean sweet that carries a deep cultural significance. Made from sticky rice or grains, this chewy, slightly sweet treat symbolizes longevity, good fortune, and strength—making it a meaningful gesture of affection. Its unique texture and subtle flavor make it a thoughtful and distinctive choice as a White Day gift. Plus, its traditional nature adds a sense of warmth and sincerity, perfect for expressing heartfelt emotions.

No. 6
Banana Milk

ⓒ Binggrae Banana-flavored Milk

The sweet and creamy flavor of the famous Korean banana milk is universally loved. It evokes fond memories of childhood for many. The iconic, retro-style packaging adds a playful and sentimental touch, making it a unique and thoughtful gift. Whether shared with a loved one or a friend, Banana Milk is a sweet and charming way to express affection on White Day. Additionally, there are also other tastes, like strawberry and melon, so everyone can find a taste they love.

No. 7
Korean rice cakes (떡)

ⓒ KUKAT Strawberry Milk Rice Cake

Korean rice symbolize good fortune, prosperity, and the sharing of joy. With a variety of flavors and textures, from soft and chewy injeolmi to sweet, colorful songpyeon, they offer a taste of Korean tradition. Their delicate, handcrafted appearance adds an elegant touch to any gift, while their subtle sweetness makes them a perfect treat for expressing affection. Gifting rice cakes on a day like this is a gesture that conveys sincerity and respect, making it a culturally rich and heartfelt option.

While White Day is not as deeply rooted in Korean tradition, it is still a meaningful opportunity to express love and gratitude. So why not make this day extra special for your loved one with a heartfelt gift? Have a sweet White Day!