Gifts Philosophy

The history of gift giving can be traced back to about the Romans. On the first day of January, around the Winter Solace, people gave each other gifts during a celebration. The gifts were originally evergreen branches, and later developed into cakes, to symbolize prosperity and sweetness in the coming year.

In America gift giving has come to be associated with the Christmas not long ago. It came in with the introduction of St. Nicholas in America by the early Dutch settlers. But, giving gifts at New Year was a common practice, especially among the English and the French settlers. But the combined German and Dutch influences in time caused all gift-giving to be carried out at Christmas.

In the social sciences, a gift economy is a society where valuable goods and services are regularly given without any explicit agreement for immediate or future rewards. Ideally, simultaneous or recurring giving serves to circulate and redistribute valuables within the community. The organization of a gift economy stands in contrast to a barter economy or a market economy. Informal custom governs exchanges, rather than an explicit exchange of goods or services for money or some other commodity.

Various social economy concerning gift economies exist. Some consider the gifts to be a form of reciprocal altruism. Another interpretation is that social status is awarded in return for the gifts. Consider for example, the sharing of foods in some hunter-gatherer societies, where food-sharing is a safeguard against the failure of any individual's daily foraging. This custom may reflect concern for the well-being of others, it may be a form of informal insurance, or may bring with it social status or other benefits.

In our society a gift or a present is the transfer of something without the expectation of receiving something in return. Although gift-giving might involve an expectation of reciprocity, a gift is meant to be free. In many human societies, the act of mutually exchanging money, goods, etc. may contribute to social cohesion. Economists have elaborated the economics of gift-giving into the notion of a gift economy. By extension the term gift can refer to anything that makes the other happier or less sad, especially as a favor, including forgiveness and kindness. As simple as a bunch of nice flowers, or a basket of season's fruits; a box of candy or a pack of chocolates; a piece of toy or a rare species of sprouting plant; an item of trivia or an object d'art; sheer utilities like a set of cutlery or something that pampers luxury like a box of jewelry...The list can go on and on. However, it ultimately rests on the tastes of both the gift-giver and the recipient's, the background of their relationship, along with their age and the social background. And also remember, gifts might not necessarily be rich and glamorous in their worldly possession, but make sure that they're rich at heart.

When material objects are given as gifts, in many cultures they are traditionally packaged in some manner. For example, in Western culture, gifts are often wrapped in wrapping paper and accompanied by a gift note which may note the occasion, the recipient's name, and the giver's name. In Chinese culture, red wrapping connotes luck.

 

 

What makes us give gifts?

As simple as a bunch of nice flowers, or a basket of season's fruits; a box of candy or a pack of chocolates; a piece of toy or a rare species of sprouting plant; an item of trivia or an object d'art; sheer utilities like a set of cutlery or something that pampers luxury like a box of jewelry...The list can go on and on. However, it ultimately rests on the tastes of both the gift-giver and the recipient's, the background of their relationship, along with their age and the social background. And also remember, gifts might not necessarily be rich and glamorous in their worldly possession, but make sure that they're rich at heart.

We give gifts for our own reasons. For some people, giving gift is a way to celebrate a very special day, for others, it is a special occasion to let family and friends know that you care. When we give gifts, it brings joy and pleasure to the receiver and a sense of satisfaction and good feelings to the gift giver. When Shopping for gifts it does not matter whether the present is small or large, expensive or cheap, the value in terms of love is beyond measure. 

1) First it is a tradition to give gifts on occasions like Christmas and New Year. Giving gifts on Occasions like Christmas, New Year, Easter, Valentine's Day, Birthday and Wedding is becoming an expected ritual now.

2) Second reason for giving gifts to others is that others are of value to us. Gift-giving occasions are opportunities to affirm one's personal bonds to loved ones. If you ask me I don’t think there need to be any occasion to give a gift. It is just a way of showing affection. Chocolates, flowers, Best seller Books, jewelry, Music CD’s and Stuff toys are some all time gift ideas. One can pick a gift based on your understanding of what the other person appreciates or needs.

3) Gifts can be a way of showing off our skills. I have given some of my own crafts as gifts and have received appreciations from the receiver. Giving a handmade gift indicates that you were willing to put in the time and efforts for that person. It’s just not crafts or painting which can be given as gifts in this category it can also be homemade chocolates and cakes, self knitted scarves and more.

4) Gift Occasions can be used for promoting your business.  Companies give gifts on New Year especially to their Customers as a token of appreciation for their support. But I guess the actual point is influencing the customers to give more business. It

5) Gifts are given to mark milestones, such as Birthdays and Anniversaries, special occasions like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s and Father’s Days etc. Special events like the birth of a baby, graduations, retirements, baptisms and first communions are also celebrated.

6) Companies give gifts to its employees as a token of appreciation for their valuable contribution. Similarly, one could give to those who work for them like a watch man or maid on this occasion.

7) Gifts are given for accomplishments. We may give gifts to reward another’s behavior such as a promotion or some achievement.

When it comes to giving gifts, we ourselves are the treasures to be given. Online shopping stores like Amazon have a wonderful range of gifts at affordable prices. There is a lot one can do like even if it’s not a gifting occasion like adopting a child, giving education to a poor child, giving clothes or blankets to poor families, donating toys, food etc to those who cannot afford it.