Gift Giving

Well, I know it seems a few months off, but before we know it, Christmas will be here. And even before Christmas arrives, September will be here – allegedly the month with the highest number of birthdays (can’t possibly think of a reasonJ. And weddings will start – spring weddings are very popular. And the one thing all these potential events have in common? Gifts. Whether you need to get a gift for a birthday, Christmas or a wedding, gift buying can be stressful.

Firstly, let’s look at what a gift is. “A gift or present is the transfer of money, goods, etc., without the need for compensation that is involved in trade. A gift is a voluntary act which does not require anything in return. Even though it involves possibly a social expectation of reciprocity, or a return in the form of prestige or power, a gift is meant to be free. In many human societies, the act of mutually exchanging gifts may contribute to social cohesion. … By extension the term gift can refer to anything that makes the other more happy or less sad, especially as a favour, including forgiveness and kindness (even when the other is not kind).” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gift

Buying a gift is never easy, because as we all know, a gift reflects our perception of the person we are giving a gift to and our relationship with that person. Ever noticed how newly weds will be extravagant when buying their new husband or wife a gift, but couples who have been married for twenty or more years are usually not quite so excited about gift giving for their spouses? How do the gifts here reflect the attitudes towards the relationship? Interesting question.

Buying a gift is a lot easier when you know that person really well, than buying a gift for an acquaintance or business associate. The easiest place to start, whether you know that person well or not, is to assess what you know about their interests and hobbies. Is there any scope for a gift in what they are interested in? For example, if the person you’re buying a gift for is interesting in reading, surely a book would be a good choice? Or if they enjoy cooking, what about a new recipe book? If you can’t make any decisions there, try thinking about things they may enjoy but would never treat themselves to. For example, a busy mom might not feel comfortable spending her money on a back massage for herself. This then would be a wonderful gift for her. Or what about a Dad who would love a leather jacket, but would rather spend his money on the home or his children. Giving these types of gifts show that you understand the person and their situations well – what a pleasure to receive something you’ve always wanted, but could never spend the money on.

Remember, that when giving a gift – any gift – for any occasion – it is not about the value of the gift in monetary terms. It may not even be about a “physical gift”. A true gift has meaning and a personal value to the recipient. The best gift to buy a friend that I know is any bath stuff – bath oils, bubble bath, bath perfume, anything. She loves it and can never have too much of it. So, a small bottle of bubble bath will hold immense value for her. However, don’t ever give her something for her home. She feels that birthdays and Christmas are for personal gifts – not for the home. So, she wouldn’t appreciate a cutlery set. Get to know the person you’re buying a gift for.

Eastern Gifts and Things has a unique range of gifts to suit every person and/or occasion. And if you can’t find a suitable gift, there is always the option of purchasing a gift voucher. Visiting our site, which has full e-Commerce capabilities, will give you a lot of ideas, some of which fall within the range of “common” items, but these are items that are always popular and worth a thought.

Be creative when it comes to gift giving. Another friend I know doesn’t mind what the gift is, as long as it is wrapped beautifully with a pretty bow. That will seriously make her day (and we do offer a gift wrapping service).

Sometimes, though, we come across those individuals in society who already have everything. And money is no object to them. Or, we could come across those that we have to buy a gift for, but we’ve never met. For example, going to a wedding on a date, but you’ve never met the bridal party before. A simple token gift will probably suffice, but thinking out of the box could give you some wonderful ideas.

We have taken the liberty of listing some gift ideas below (some on our site, and others just as ideas) to aid you in your gift giving this year.

Some Ideas

• Buying for the home: This could be tricky if you don’t personally know that person’s taste or style or their preference in home décor. If you do get a gift for the home, look out for items that are unusual, interesting, collectable when choosing things like: prints, original paintings, ornaments, sculptures, lamps, foot-rests, rugs, decorative tables, table linen, mirrors, garden ornaments, water features.
• Other ideas area: a collection of pool towels, bathroom luxuries (like a towel warmer), garden recliners, plants, magazine racks, wine racks, hat stands, coat racks, CD stands.
• Non-“physical gifts”: Like a massage, or a facial. Try something new and exotic, like a Swedish massage or a Indian Head massage.
• Give them a new sport or hobby to be interested in: Buy them some lessons and / or the basic equipment needed to get started.
• Help them grow: enroll them in a skills training course, personal development programme or any variation on this theme. Even a few sessions with a therapist could make an ideal gift for someone that wants it but can't afford it themselves.
• Try something completely new: Scuba diving, Kite skiing, Surfing, Flying (pilot's license).
• Try a new experience: Weekend away or mini holiday, Safari, Bungy jump, Helicopter flip, Cultural tour, Tickets for two to a live performance or concert, Dinner for two at a special restaurant, Tickets to an important rugby match or sports tournament (whatever their favourite sport – and remember, the focus is on their favourite sport, this is not an opportunity for you to go watch your favourite team play rugby:-)).
• Organise for them to: learn or experience anything that they have longed for – fulfill a wish. Change a life. Dare to be different!
• Give your time. Sometimes all that people want is to spend an afternoon or an evening with you.
• Gift vouchers. Gift vouchers that can be redeemed, especially to be used when you just simply either do not have the time or cannot think of something to buy. Gift vouchers also come in handy when you know the recipient is looking for something specific that you cannot find. For example, they are looking specifically for a type of Noritake design, but you don’t know what it is. Giving a gift voucher will allow that person to choose what it is specifically that they want or are looking for.
• Homemade gifts: People often balk at the idea of handmade gifts, yet these can be the most meaningful of all. The key is to choose a gift that you believe the person would enjoy and to make it properly.
• Edibles: A selection of home-made biscuits, preserves, jams, chutneys, breads, sweets or whatever your talent allows. Many of these require no talent at all and a small selection, presented on a nice yet inexpensive tray or in a pretty container, makes for a meaningful gift that also has a lasting element. Ideal for when you have a group that you want to give small gifts to, like book club members, wine club members, neighbours, etc.
• Gift baskets: There are plenty of on-line gift baskets and Eastern Gifts and Things will very soon be selling its own gift baskets. These can be tailor made to the recipient and can include lovely bath creams, or dried fruit and biltong, etc.

If you have any comments on stunning gift ideas or what you would like for Christmas, birthday or wedding – please let us know by e-mailing info@easterngifts.co.za.

For more articles on gifts and other ideas, log onto: www.easterngifts.co.za.