No one would argue that gift giving is personal. Each consumer makes his or her own choices about what to buy, how much to spend, and where to shop. Sometimes a gift certificate or money is better than a present. Even a donation to a charity can be a welcome gift for the person who has everything and wants nothing more.
If you are going to shop for a gift, consider going somewhere that offers a whole world or products. Whether you shop online or at a bricks and mortar store, many retailers offer gifts galore, sometimes even at wholesale prices.
For someone with a garden, you might add to the outdoor décor with a fountain, statue, birdhouse, chimes, or a lantern. The do-it-yourselfer will be thrilled with a new set of tools or the latest gadget. Of course, dolls and other toys will delight the little girls on your list. Gifts for the home decor are endless, including candles, clocks, figurines, vases, lamps, and decorations and accessories for the bath.
The presentation of a gift adds quality to the gift itself. Wrapping paper and a gift note make a much nicer appearance than a brown paper bag. Decorated gift bags are a convenient and attractive alternative to wrapping paper and ribbons. Did you know that red wrapping paper is said to bring luck in Chinese culture?
Cultural differences in gift giving are considerable. Giving gifts of too much or too little value can cause great embarrassment in certain societies. If you plan to give something to a person from a culture or country different than your own, check on the cultural norms before you present the gift.
Similarly, cultural traditions may dictate the proper way to receive a gift. In some circles, the gift must be opened immediately, while in others it is rude to do so. Some societies expect the receiver to refuse the gift two or three times before finally accepting it. In certain cultures a gift is sent prior to attending a dinner party, while in others the guest is expected to bring a gift to the event. It is always polite to send a thank you note after the meal.
Have you ever heard of a push present? That's a present the father gives the mother on the birth of a child. Did you know that in the Netherlands the custom is to take friends and family out for dinner on your birthday, rather than them taking you out? And have you heard of lagniappe? That's a small gift a merchant gives a customer at the time of a purchase. "Throwing in a little extra" is a tradition in parts of the southern United States.
Giving gifts is not a simple thing. You have many considerations before choosing and presenting a gift. As a gift-giver you have the opportunity to do something nice for someone else, which is in fact a gift to yourself. Remember the old saying, "It is far better to give than to receive."
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About
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Chris Robertson is a published author of Majon
International. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2009 (Sat Jun 13 2009)
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