The Art of Gifting
I received about 5 gifts in 2016 – 1 at Christmas, the rest for my birthday. Which reminds me, I have a gift to collect from brother’s home. I am not sure whether it will still be ‘safe’ by the time I get around to collecting it because apparently my nephew is always asking to open aunt Pearl’s gift. I won’t hold my breath because that boy is relentless.
I recently attended my niece’s Christening, and being the procrastinator that I am, I bought the gift on my way to the party. Thank God for everyone that shared suggestions because I am probably the worst gift giver that I know. Which probably explains why I don’t give gifts often. To put things in context, I have only given 1 gift this year. Wait, does cake count as a gift? See, I am completely clueless at this gift thing.
But I’d like that to change. The look on my niece’s face was priceless, however the look on my family and relatives’ faces was between utter shock and surprise, or was it both? Apparently I have never carried a gift to a party before. WHAT??????????
As far as habits go, I would like to learn to gift. I don’t know if I can promise not to attend a party without carrying a gift, given that I crush many a party so gifting in such cases doesn’t make a lot of sense, but I’d like to try.
To gift givers; how do you select the gifts that you give? What helps you continue giving gifts in a day and age where gifts are not the ‘in thing’? Is it easier for you to gift someone if they tell you what they want?
To gift receivers; do you prefer money, edible gifts (like drinks, food, cake) or tangible gifts (like watches, shoes, cars)? Do you always like the gift regardless of whether you wouldn’t buy it yourself because it’s the thought that counts? Is not receiving a gift on your birthday or special event a big deal?
Anyway, in case it wasn’t clear, I am soliciting for gifts this 2017. The birthday countdown is on (only 4 months to go), so there’s a lot of time for you to secure that gift. Personally I love the whole ‘nicely wrapped gift with a ribbon on top for good measure’ because I think half of the gift is in unwrapping it as you speculate what it might be.
To a lovely 2017 – to being and finding gifts where we can.
My trick is in listening. 8/10 of the gifts I give come from different conversations where the recipient mentions something they would like to own.
Other times, I will just notice they don’t own a certain something like a watch or so.
Oooh and on my part I love “just because” gifts.
Good luck giving and receiving!
Thank you, this is very insightful. P.S: ‘Just because’ gifts noted 🙂