Whether you think luck simply comes to you or you make your own, there’s no doubt that for centuries people have tried to change their fortune for the better with good luck charms and talismans. A money tree, a horseshoe hung over the door, and making a wish at 11:11 come to mind.
As luck would have it (yes, pun intended), there are countless symbols that might turn your day around, whether you’re looking for a little boost or are just in the right place at the right time. Pop on one of these wearable symbols or add a serendipitous item to your home, and your luck could change for the better.
Not a believer? Well, these good luck gifts are stunning anyway.
Jewelry good luck gifts
Hamsa necklace
This necklace pendant has a rose gold overlay on top of a sterling silver hand-stamped hamsa with the words "Protection," "Power," "Prosperity," "Love," "Abundance," "Peace," "Happiness," "Health," "Strength," and "Luck." The hamsa is found in Jewish and Muslim cultures in the Middle East, and the word "hamsa" translates to "five" in both Hebrew and Arabic. The eye in the hand-shaped symbol is supposed to ward off the evil eye; thus, the hamsa is worn as protection from evil spirits.
Rainbow necklace
Catching a glimpse of a rainbow certainly feels special, and it is — you have to be just in the right place to spot one of them. (Rainbows are actually optical illusions, but we don't need to get into the science of that here. That's what sites like Popular Science are for.) Then there's the matter of the legendary pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. If you're on the hunt for that, you're out of luck because, as luck would have it, rainbows have no end. They are a full circle — you just can’t see the other half because the horizon gets in the way.
Rainbows, nonetheless, are associated with healing, hope, and peace, and this beautiful charm is the perfect reminder of those signs.
Horseshoe diamond necklace
Many legends persist about how horseshoes became a lucky symbol, but the most ubiquitous is that of a patron saint of Ireland, a blacksmith. The devil demanded the blacksmith make him shoes, but the blacksmith wasn't tricked and instead nailed a burning hot shoe to the devil’s cloven hoof, prompting the god of the underworld to declare he would never go near a horseshoe again. Warding off the devil seems like a good thing.
Its 11:11 - Make a Wish Bracelet
In numerology, 11:11 is considered an angel number, one that is either a palindrome or follows a pattern. The number 1, specifically, can represent new beginnings. The superstitious feel that the luckiest day of the year is 11/11 with their wishes coming at — you guessed it — 11:11.
14k Gold Filled Clover Earrings
While the three-leaf clover was associated with another patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick, and his work spreading the word of Christianity there, the four-leaf clover is in short supply. Legend says that Eve took a four-leaf clover from the Garden of Eden to remind her of paradise (sounds lovely). And the English say if you dream of clover, you will have a happy marriage (also sounds lovely). Each of the four leaves, according to a European poem, has its own meaning: faithful love, fame, health, and wealth.
Finding a four-leafed variety is unlikely, as it only appears 1 in 10,000 times. Therefore, wishful thinking would follow that if you’re lucky enough to find a four-leaf clover…then, well, you’ll be lucky enough for anything prosperous. And that sounds very lovely!
Wishbone 16" Extending Necklace in Pure Platinum
In ancient Etruria (central Italy), chickens were considered the oracles of the future, and, thus, Etruscans stroked the wishbones of these birds for good luck. But chickens at the time were also scarce, so people broke the bones in half to spread the wealth of luck. The tradition was passed from the Romans to the British and, ultimately, to the Pilgrims, who found turkeys — and, by extension, wishbones — in abundance in the new world.
Plants and home decor good luck gifts
Money Tree Grove
The money tree is associated with good fortune and is a common gift for the Chinese New Year. The story goes that a man found the tree and took it home, and grew many more trees from it, giving him financial prosperity (gives new meaning to having a "green" thumb!). The specially trained trunks are known to keep luck within their braids. According to the rules of feng shui, the money tree should be kept in the southeast corner of the home, where it thrives in an abundance of indirect light.
Lucky Clovers Oxalis Plant
Most Americans know St. Patrick, whose feast day celebrated here is largely associated with rainbows, leprechauns, and pots of gold. Though his life was filled with suffering, St. Patrick spread Christianity throughout Ireland, explaining its Holy Trinity meaning through a shamrock — the three-leafed plant that now represents St. Patrick’s Day to many in the U.S. and around the world.
This flowering gift includes a resin shamrock with the saying “For each petal on the shamrock this brings a wish your way. Good health, good luck and happiness for today and every day.”
Yin Yang Chip & Dip Bowl
Hand carved of Indian rosewood, this is an entertaining statement piece. Not only gorgeous but symbolic, the yin and yang is the ultimate sign of balance, coexisting peacefully together, and each side has a bit of the other in it (in this case, your spots for salsa and guac!). When this balance is achieved, energy is harmonious, according to Chinese Taoism. Sounds like a perfect plan, whatever your dip of choice!
11" Antique Brown Polyresin Turtle Statue
A harbinger of long life and lasting presence, the turtle has been around since before the dinosaurs. In a Hindu depiction, the turtle holds four elephants who, in turn, hold up the earth, signifying the weight of the world. And in Native American cultures, the turtle represents healing, wisdom, spirituality, heath, safety, longevity, protection, and fertility.
This statue can live inside or outside, but we picture this little guy greeting guests at your entryway. He has certain good vibes, as all turtles seem to (remember Crush from "Finding Nemo"?).
Hand-carved Elephant Soapstone Tea Light
Symbols of peace and power, strength and knowledge, a hand-carved elephant made of soapstone will be a reminder to you that all things are possible with patience and learning. This African treasure will be right at home on your desk, as elephants represent wisdom and prosperity.
Braided Bamboo
Beautiful and sleek, yet easy to take care of, bamboo is highly prized in Chinese culture and feng shui. This lucky bamboo has three stalks braided into two, with each stalk representing happiness, longevity, and wealth. A beautiful gift for someone starting a new job or new life together, lucky bamboo will bring positive energy.
AUTHOR
Elizabeth Craig Wells is a former senior editor at Real Simple magazine, where she focused on the life, style, and simple solutions sections. Wells holds a B.A. in French and B.M. in flute performance from Northwestern University. She lives with her three children in Connecticut, where she coaches soccer and tennis and is working on a series of contemporary novels.