Gift-giving is a tradition that has long existed in our civilizations, but the way we live our social lives has frequently reduced it to a straightforward consumption activity. Giving without expecting anything in return is what the word “giving” really means.
In reality, you do receive something in return: in addition to the tradition of gift exchanging, the giver also receives the recipient’s gratitude, attention, and generally anything else that falls under the category of affection.
However, in our social climate, gifts are frequently solely highlighted in terms of their consumerist nature. The gift is usually always connected to an occasion or specific occurrence in daily life.
As a result, giving resembles a ritual that should be performed more out of obligation than personal initiative.
Giving a special present shows that you know that person well.
To begin with, you must be aware of the recipient’s preferences, which requires that you think back on what you know about that person, what we have and don’t have in common with them, and what they would find appealing.
However, we must also take time to think about what message we want that present to convey to others. We need to make sure that this person knows how much we love and appreciate them. Your unique and fun presents should have a deep meaning, making them feel special.
Giving is, therefore, a way to learn about and recognize yourself; it is a time for reflection while simultaneously serving as a means of inquiry into others.
What is the gift’s deeper meaning beyond its material value?
When we talk about giving, we refer to an act of selflessness in which someone provides something of value or nothing. But is giving truly an unprompted, spontaneous act? Not really, as other emotions could be driving the gift’s action:
- The sense of social obligation that drives us to assist people in need nearby. The degree of empathy, devotion, and compassion we have for those around us determines whether or not we feel the same level of social obligation as others.
- The perception of fairness, which develops when a person feels obligated to make amends for an action or behavior that, whether intentionally or accidentally, resulted in harm.
- The concept of reciprocity, whereby people give to others in exchange for benefits. This advantage may be material or immaterial.
Why does giving a gift provide special significance?
Consider Christmas. If it weren’t for that particular occasion, we wouldn’t all be exchanging gifts. But because of the celebration’s ambience and evocative power, it’s hard to resist the desire to give and receive things.
In reality, the Christmas present comes from a feeling that originates in the celebration itself and belongs to everyone who shares our cultural context rather than from the urge to convey a kind of affection intended for those close to us.
The significance of a present goes beyond the event; it is, first and foremost, a component of the relationship between people, a method to feel more connected, and a way to express one’s love or respect for the other.
It is a method of communication that can be utilized when one is not highly skilled or prepared to use other methods. If done correctly, a gesture can take the place of words and actually help bridge some communication gaps.
Giving must consider the recipient as a channel of communication; this is a key part of giving. In this sense, we want to ensure that anything we offer is appreciated, practical, and appropriate for the recipient.
What distinguishes a gift from a present?
The gift does not include offering or receiving; only receiving. Giving is seen as an instance of “welcomed selfishness” in psychology. We wait for the other person to give us a gift before we give one for a birthday, wedding, or Christmas. This is an act of giving and receiving, and the gifts are typically material commodities.
On the other hand, when we give a present, we don’t expect anything in return, even though the act itself makes us feel good. We don’t receive anything from the recipient, and we don’t think we will.