When someone gives a gift to a friend or family member, this is an act of love. Instead of just saying it, they want to make their love concrete by giving something the other person can use and enjoy.
In other circles—perhaps at work—exchanging gifts elevates a special occasion and makes it memorable. Whatever your reason for gifting, understanding the importance of giving gifts helps you more fully participate in both giving and receiving. To get a better sense of it, here are three gifting considerations.
They Make Things Pleasantly Personal
One primary fear people have is of relational isolation and anonymity. We want others to know us, including the unique skills we have, the passions that drive us, and the innocuous small details of our lives. This is why an inside joke between two people means so much.
With a thoughtful gift, you not only illustrate your willingness to give freely of yourself, but also your knowledge of the other person. While this knowledge may be more of a given in a family context, consider your workplace. When you give your supervisor a boss appreciation gift, you show them they aren’t simply one in a crowd of coworkers but instead are special and worth your personal investment.
They Communicate Beyond Words
In addition, a gift speaks what you feel. This helps those who struggle to articulate their love or friendship; a gift conveys the message of the heart. Not only that, but certain people respond really positively to a special gift. Even if the gift is inexpensive, they enjoy that it physically represents your affection for them. In a romantic relationship, these gifts serve as solid reminders of your love even when you’re apart for a time.
They Lend Life Some Whimsy
Another element to the importance of gift-giving is the unpredictability and whimsy it affords people. As you receive wrapped presents, the pleasure of not knowing what’s just beyond the paper is tantalizing. There’s a magic to it—you could open your present to just about anything. Plus, you can’t help but try to guess what it is by sizing up the package. By giving to someone else, you add a bit of this intrigue into their life.
