February 23rd is Men’s Day in Ukraine, formerly known as Soviet Army Day. Men and boys receive gifts and good wishes from women. They return the favor on International Women’s Day, March 8, an official Ukrainian holiday when women receive gifts and flowers from the men in their lives.

On Easter day, Ukranians greet each other by saying, "Khrystos Voskres!" (Christ is arisen) and answering, "Voyistynu Voskres!" (Truly arisen), followed with kisses and the exchanging of gifts. Easter eggs or cakes are traditional presents, but it is becoming common to exchange personal gifts as well.

Christmas serves as another gift-giving holiday in Ukraine, and the celebrations last over a number of days. On St. Nicolas Day, sometimes celebrated December 19, children receive small gifts under their pillows or in their stockings. In some parts of Ukraine, particularly in the west, December 25th is celebrated with gift giving. It is traditional for everyone to get a new piece of clothing, even if other presents are not given. January 1, New Year’s Day, is also a gift-giving occasion, left over from the Soviet era when religious holidays were discouraged. Children receive presents under the New Year’s Tree. Orthodox Christmas comes on January 7 and is
less frequently treated as a gift-giving occasion, though it is traditional to give carolers sweets or a hot drink. Similarly, on January 14, the Old Calendar New Year, children often go door-to-door with wishes for happiness and prosperity in the New Year, and they are rewarded with gifts of sweets or a little money.

A traditional wedding in Ukraine starts with a formal engagement. The groom and two older married men visit the bride’s home to ask for her hand in marriage. The groom offers a bottle of vodka as a gift, and the bride gives special ritual towels to the groom’s men. They also exchange loaves of bread, unless the young lady decides not to accept the suit. In that case, she gives a pumpkin instead. After the wedding, it is traditional for the bride and groom to return to their own homes. The groom retrieves the bride by giving her family gifts of vodka and money. Wedding guests present gifts, usually something for the newlyweds’ home, during a party at the groom’s house after the bride has been retrieved.

Name days are traditionally celebrated with gifts and flowers for the honoree in Ukraine, but recently birthday celebrations, complete with lavish gifts, have become more common.