Gift Giving

My good friend Ryan came up with an idea. We would each write about a new topic between the two of us each week. The topic for this week is "Gift Giving". No other clarification or specific aspect so...we pick our own points of view on what we want to talk about...so here goes.

GIFT GIVING:

We all have different idea of what this is. First, lets examine the words. Giving...well we all know what that is. Lets get a more clear definition of "gift" as it pertains to this phrase.

" Something that is bestowed voluntarily and without compensation."

Basically its something given to someone without getting anything back. The implication is usually that a gift is a positive thing, but isn't spelled out definition. I infer this because it can be drawn logically that the thing that is given as a "gift" would usually require compensation to obtain. So my interpretation is that is something nice or good given to someone without expecting a return. Isn't that the nicest thing? No wonder we all feel special when we get it because someone has given us something for nothing.

In reality though, when do we get gifts? Birthdays, holidays etc right? Its almost as if its expected. Well it is nice and all to get things on days when we want to feel special...but in my opinion the coolest gifts are ones we give or receive almost by suprise. For the giver, the feeling of "obligation" is not there, its more PURE in that sense. For the receiver its an expected surprise so the effect is even better.

Another aspect of gift giving is the actual gift. While there is nothing in the definition that speaks to what the contents of a gift should be, I'd like to mention it. To me, I think the best gifts are ones that shows a level of understanding about the receiver by the giver. No gift is more special then a perfect surprise that is something the receiver had been wanting (whether he or she knew it for him or herself to begin with). No gift feels less special then one that required no thought or understanding.

So what does all this mean? For me, I think gifts should be given almost like random acts of kindness and given with the spirit of genuine good will and not out of obligation. They should be carefully selected with thoughtfulness as to how what it might mean to the receiver and how it will be received.