Exclusive gifts

20th APRIL 2022

Our culture is rich with sayings about gifts, giving or receiving them: "small gifts build friendship", "never look a gift horse in the mouth", "it's better to give than to receive", etc. Today, as we pause, let's consider: are these clichés still relevant and influencing our behaviour? What gifts would be considered exceptional today?

Exploring humanity's ancient memory, we find that gift-giving is one of the oldest social behaviours. Exchanging symbolic offerings, necklaces with predator teeth, or natural resources has been a vital part of communication since ancient times. Gifts were used to express gratitude, show attention, and acknowledge leadership. Various situations share a common theme – our human need to form connections, communicate, and collaborate.

It's not too daring to suggest that giving isn't a "one-way street." In this process, the recipient and the giver both hold equally significant roles and responsibilities: when we give, we take on the responsibility of selecting the right gift that conveys a clear message, and when we receive, we assume the duty of appreciating not just the gift itself, but also the communication it comes with. Ultimately, the key to a gift's value lies in the response to the gesture of giving, founded in positive emotions.

Imagine. In search of expressive ways of reaching out to someone, we pick a gift. We eagerly await the gift-giving moment, feeling a mix of excitement and anticipation, and it's only upon receiving a positive reaction that we realise – "I nailed it!" Does that ring a bell? The emotional exchange, the tension, and the resolution are all part of the transactions without which the notion of a "good gift" might not even exist. 

A natural question arises: what brings us joy? What messages in the language of giving have the potential to be recognised and understood?

Often, when choosing a gift, we seek "something special." It's understandable, since through this gesture we aim to express our deepest and most cherished sentiments. However, in today's world, where one voice can easily reach and influence thousands and technology allows for global collaboration, the myriad possibilities elevate us beyond the mundane. Increasingly, in our quest for balance, we find comfort in simple, everyday rituals that remind us of our humanity. Cosy household items can serve as a gentle reminder: "You are human, you are valuable!". A lunch box, a portable coffee cup, a water bottle – these little things offer a touch of stability and grounding in our busy lives, helping us to care for ourselves better. Isn't today's "ordinary" the new "special"?

Gifts that spark creativity deserve special recognition. After all, being creative is a marvellous path of self-discovery and growth, bringing with it great joy. Take the iconic Ikebana vase, inspiring exquisite floral compositions – the recipient of such a gift will experience the joy of creativity time and again!

Experience gifts, which have become incredibly popular, also resonate well with modern society. This type of gift helps imbue meaning into the idea of giving beyond material possession, moving away from a consumerist mindset. Instead of presenting a tangible object, we hope to convey a positive emotion, perhaps something thrilling and unique. Yet, when offering an experience, we must remember that we are assigning someone their most precious asset – their time. If we believe that our relationship is strong enough to make this choice, new experiences and quality time shared can indeed form a bond-strengthening and meaningful gift.

Often, when we're stumped for gift ideas, we conclude that money is the universal solution. And while a bundle of cash would certainly be welcome in anyone's pocket, is this truly the way to go? Admittedly, a modern individual enjoys a sense of capability and independence, but when it comes to emotional connection, we can't overlook the fact that money is cold and silent. Now, more than ever, by conserving our finances and valuing our precious and scarce TIME, we can offer a genuinely special gift. Spending a bit (or a lot) of time to thoughtfully select and present a gift, and most importantly, awaiting the feedback, sends a strong message: "You matter, you are worth my time!".

It becomes clear: regardless of the situation or period, to bestow a truly remarkable gift, the act of giving ought to commence well before the shopping trip. This time-tested social gesture is a powerful communicator, so the message you want to convey should be its main driving force. Nurturing relationships in everyday life means that we have "something to say" during special moments. Thus, let's invest in relationships, allowing our gifts to reflect them. But not the other way around.

Moreover, the next time you receive a gift, try to commend the person eagerly awaiting your reaction rather than the gift itself. Who knows, this healing practice of giving might just become contagious.

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AUTHOR: Lina Paulauskaitė