Bad gifts aren't about bad people. They're about panic, guesswork, and a gifting culture that was never built to help us express how much we actually care.

The Scented Candle I Never Used (And What It Says About Gifting In Nigeria)

The Scented Candle I Never Used (And What It Says About Gifting In Nigeria)
July 16, 2026 ∙ 4 mins read

A few years ago, someone who truly cared gave me a scented candle. It was beautiful and thoughtful. The only problem was that I’ve never liked scented candles. I offered that polite 'thank you' we all know, then took it home to gather dust.

The real tragedy wasn't the candle. It was the silent agreement. The giver felt good, I performed gratitude, and we both ignored the truth: the gift missed the mark. This polite dishonesty happens across Nigeria every single day.

The real reason gifting goes wrong

It’s rarely about indifference. Most 'bad' gifts happen because of panic. Birthdays creep up on us, and we don't have the tools to choose something that really resonates. So we default to safe options, like cash transfers without notes or last-minute, generic gifts. We care more about the act of giving than the connection, hoping the gesture matters more than the item.

The difference between a gift and the right gift.

What Thoughtful Gifting Requires

Thoughtful gifting isn't about spending more money. It’s about spending attention. It’s remembering that detail your friend mentioned months ago. It’s a personalized card that shows who you are, not a generic template. It’s using a wishlist.

The gap between how much we love our people and how well that love translates into gifts isn't a character flaw; it's a systems problem.

 
Build your wishlist. Share it. Get what you actually want.

That's why we built Boonify.

  • Personalized Gifting: Create gifts and cards that reflect the recipient, not just the occasion.
  • Customization: Personalize cards, gifts, baskets, and boxes to make every gift uniquely yours.
  • Wishlists: Share exactly what you want and remove the guesswork from gifting.
  • Reminders: Remember birthdays, anniversaries, and every important moment before it's too late.
  • Boon Vouchers: Give the flexibility of choice with gift vouchers they'll actually enjoy.
  • Leisure Experiences: Discover activities and experiences to create memories beyond physical gifts.

Nobody deserves another unloved candle gathering dust.

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