Stock Gifting has a long history, but has come into focus in 2020, due in part to COVID-19. The idea is that most gifts lose value and eventually end up as trash. Gifts of stock represent an investment who value has the potential to grow over time. Other benefits include motivating the recipient to learn about investing, and providing a platform to accumulate the value of future cash gifts.

Stock Gifting has become much easier due to the availability of fractional shares, which allow purchases to be made in dollar amounts rather than buying a whole number of stock at a fluctuating price. Stock gifting is supported by several companies and teaches the value of buy-and-hold investing. It is possible to obtain stock certificates which can be visually attractive, but doing so adds cost that could better be applied to the investment value.