The Joys of Gift Giving

There are numerous reasons for gift giving, but they all stem from showing love or appreciation for someone, from a birthday gift to a small item to say thank you. We can find joy in these customs when we slow down and really consider why we give gifts and how we give to others. In our busy modern-day lives, gift giving can be an added pressure that comes with holidays and celebrations.

Part of creating a loving society is to show care and appreciation for others. Gift giving can include a well-thought-out thank you message in a card for someone that has gone above and beyond for you or made a difficult time a bit easier. When we look for the good in the world, it is usually clear to see, but it is also easy to overlook or become accustomed to good deeds in our busy lifestyles. You may have a friend that is always on call if you ever need them, and while that may be reciprocated and a good foundation for your friendship, it is always good to show how much you value it.

Be mindful of how you buy gifts for people. A gift that is too extravagant for the situation may cause someone to feel guilty that they may not be in a position to reciprocate to the same level; thus, the gift becomes something negative rather than a thoughtful gesture. If you are giving a gift for a reason outside of a celebration such as a wedding, birthday, Christmas etc., then you may want to be clear that it was just something you wanted to do and you don’t expect anything in return. You can always play down the gift by saying something like, “I just saw this and thought you would really love it. I know we don’t give each other presents though so I hope that’s okay?”. 

Gift-giving is therapeutic in lots of ways. Doing a good deed helps you feel good about yourselves and gives you a clearer perspective of what you should appreciate. Another side to gift giving that can be great for yourself is getting crafty with how you present your item or even the object itself. Spending time doing something creative is a great way to relax, reduce stress and screen time, and help you live in a mindful moment. Adding an extra touch to a Christmas gift box by adding a sprig of an evergreen plant, a special ribbon, or a form of personalisation will make you feel proud of what you are giving.

Making gifts is also a great way to ensure you are giving something unique and thoughtful. Learning a skill such as baking, cross stitching, candle making, or lino printing is a great way to develop your talents while producing items for your loved ones.

While giving gifts is a beautiful thing to do, there are some gifts that can cause more harm than good. If you buy a gift for someone you don’t know too well, avoiding specific items such as alcohol is best. You never know if someone is already struggling with addiction issues which could become more of a struggle due to your well-intended gift. Gifting a bottle of wine or spirits has been a custom for centuries, and if you have shared a drink with the recipient before or have had chats where it’s clear that they partake in alcohol, then you’re generally safe to do so. However, if you haven’t discussed drinking or shared a drink with your recipient, then you’re best to stay on the safe side and avoid these items. Even if your recipient isn’t abstaining from alcohol, they may not be that interested in the beverage, and you don’t want to give something that will be re-gifted.

Other items to avoid for acquaintances are sized clothing. You don’t want to buy something too big or too small, making them question how others see them. Instead, opt for an accessory such as a bag or scarf. It’s hard enough to buy clothes that fit well for ourselves, so it’s best to avoid this for other people.