{"id":168953,"date":"2019-04-23T10:12:35","date_gmt":"2019-04-23T09:12:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/?p=168953"},"modified":"2026-10-15T02:17:13","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T01:17:13","slug":"buying-shares-as-a-gift","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.finder.com\/uk\/share-trading\/share-trading-guides\/buying-shares-as-a-gift","title":{"rendered":"Buying shares as a gift"},"content":{"rendered":"

You might consider buying shares<\/a> as a gift for a loved one for several reasons. You might want to help them build their wealth, as in the case of children and grandchildren. Or you might want to give someone a gift of shares for their symbolic value \u2013 maybe of a company you both love, or one that has some emotional resonance with the recipient.<\/p>

Since 2010, stocks have outpaced other traditional luxury presents like watches, diamonds and gold in terms of price appreciation. But the process of how to gift shares to someone else might seem tricky at first, especially when it comes to tax. Here is what you should know before gifting or transferring shares.<\/p>

Can you buy shares as a gift?<\/h3>

Yes, this is definitely possible. There are a few ways you can go about gifting shares. But it\u2019s not always the most convenient thing to do. Giving shares as a gift in the UK can often be more of a symbolic gesture than a practical one (from an investment perspective).<\/p>

Also, due to anti-money laundering rules, you cannot gift shares as a surprise. So, whoever you\u2019re buying shares for will need to give consent ahead of time. There is an exception to this if the recipient is a minor.<\/p>

How to buy shares as a gift<\/h3>

Here\u2019s a step-by-step guide explaining the basic process of buying and gifting shares:<\/p>

  1. Choose the shares:<\/strong> Decide on the shares you wish to buy as a gift or if you want to use existing stocks and shares you own and transfer them as a gift.<\/li>
  2. Check that gifting is possible:<\/strong> There can sometimes be restrictions around particular shares or investments that make it more difficult to gift them. It can be worth checking with the company directly through its \u201cinvestor relations\u201d page.<\/li>
  3. Speak to a brokerage:<\/strong> Each broker may have different processes for buying shares as a gift. It\u2019s best to contact them, let them know which shares you want to buy and ask what documents and information they need to transfer them.<\/li>
  4. Select the format:<\/strong> Decide if you want physical share certificates to make the gift more of a unique gesture or buy shares electronically for a more practical gift of shares.<\/li>
  5. Transfer shares as a gift:<\/strong> You\u2019ll need to complete and sign a stock or share transfer form (Form J30), which includes the details of the person to whom you\u2019re gifting shares. Then submit completed forms with any attached shares for gifting. Your share dealing platform<\/a> should be able to walk you through this.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n