There is a quote stating that, “You need more tact in the dangerous art of giving presents than in any other social action”. I strongly agree with that. A gift represents an abstract feeling that the giver has towards the receiver. The right gift can act as a catalyst to a relationship which has long been on board.
So, here are a few things which can always be remembered, before buying a gift.
- Always remember who you are giving the gift to
The recipient of the gift is the most important consideration for the correct present. Not that you don’t know this, but many people forget it. Imagine sending flowers to a person who is allergic to them. Sounds dumb eh? That’s what most people do. For someone you know very well, you always know his/her likes and dislikes. So, whenever you gift something to someone, it should always be something they have liked or been passionate about. Like for e.g., I have a friend who is crazy about cosmetics. So, I make it a point to gift her the latest entrant in the market for every birthday.
If you don’t know what the person is fond of, here are a few tips
Most women love flowers and soft toys. The mere sight of these can cause a “Cho Chweet”. Well, also one can give women handbags and perfumes. As far as guys are concerned, I think they’ll like stuff like watches, perfumes, computer games or anything electronic. For a friend, I think anything from a T shirt to a card will do.
- Gift the person something which they have always wanted
Not everyone will buy everything they want. There is always an element of longing associated with anyone. So, if you know that someone has wanted something for a really long time buy them that. Like, I had always admired the stuffed toy version of a tiger present on the Archies window. But, it never occurred to me to buy it. But then, on my B’day I found the same from one of my friends and my joy knew no bounds.
- The feeling matters more than the gift
Never gift something which is impersonal. My sister hates e-cards and sms greetings since she considers them formal. I accept it. For e.g., there is no point in buying a sentimental card which says that they have had a great time together all these years for someone you have known only for sometime. Personally, I love funky cards any card I give will be fun-filled and not sentimental.
Just don’t gift something for the sake of it. Put in your heart and soul into it. Even if it is a home made sock bunny(Yeah! I borrowed that from F.R.I.E.N.D.S), it needs your affection. My mom has never gifted me anything materialistic, if she has to make me happy, she just needs to cook my favourite Gajar Halwa, and ‘wow’, nothing can beat that.
This may sound funny, but food makes the best presents(Atleast as far as I am concerned - my craze for food is never ending). A box of chocolates for Valentines day, a pack of sweets for Diwali, or a cake for christmas has been a tradition for a long time now. These also make wonderful gifts. And nothing is better than a treat at your favourite restaurant - I bet everyone will accept that!
Also, you never need occasions to gift. Me and my friend have a deal, whenever either of us see something that we really like, we make it a point to inform the other to get for us. We don’t wait for birthdays, we even gift for independence day( sounds crazy eh?).
Finally, let me leave you with a thought, “The greatest grace of a gift, perhaps, is that it anticipates and admits of no return”.