Why Good Gift Giving Matters
I once broke up with an ex because they got me a gift that showed they didn’t know, or hadn’t thought about me at all. It wasn’t because it was a cheap gift, in fact it was uncomfortably expensive. It wasn’t the first red flag in our relationship but it was the straw that broke the relationship’s back. When I received it and told close friends and family about it they were shocked that someone would ever consider it for me. I’m being deliberately vague about the gift itself, because it doesn’t really matter what the item was, for some people it would have been the ideal gift. When I asked him why he purchased the gift he gave a very vague “because you’re a woman and you work in this job”. It demonstrated that he didn’t know me after over a year of dating.
I share all that not to threaten that someone might end your relationship if you give them a bad gift. But instead to highlight when you give gifts it’s an opportunity to tell the recipient that you care about them, that you think about them, that you pay attention to them. The gift doesn’t have to be a home run but it should demonstrate that you care. I truly believe that good gift giving is about:
- Strengthening Your Relationships: A thoughtful gift can deepen bonds and show that you care.
- Expressing Gratitude: Gifts are a tangible way to say “thank you” for someone’s kindness or support.
- Creating Memorable Experiences: A well-chosen gift can lead to shared experiences and lasting memories.
- Showing Thoughtfulness: A personalized gift demonstrates that you’ve put effort into understanding someone’s interests and preferences.
- Spreading Joy: Gifts can bring joy and happiness to the recipient’s life.
- Simply Because It’s Nice: Sometimes, the best reason to give a gift is simply because it’s a kind and thoughtful thing to do.
Great gifts aren’t about the money spent. As they say some of the best things in life are free! It’s the time and consideration you’ve put into them that shows the other person that you care.
What are some of the best gifts you’ve received?
