The Complete Guide to Gifting

Giving out gift is a practice that is carried out during special occasions like a birthday celebration, Christmas time, anniversary or a moment when someone is celebrated or a period with big significance. We give out gift as a norm and do not bother about the deeper significance of this gesture. The gift ideas we have say a lot about our person, the kind of relationship we have and the social structure of our community. Every gift we give to a person carries with it a level of social, emotional and psychological currents.  

The History Of Gift Giving

The history of gift giving dates back to the time of the earliest humans. Various signs might prove that our earlier ancestors exchanged gifts. Recent study has shown that the cavemen exchanged gifts such as unusually shaped rocks or animal bones or teeth in an effort to increase their connection or to mark appreciation to others. The gifts started growing more elaborate and decorative as the social structure became more complex.  

Why do we give gifts?

Giving out gifts play a vital role in our social life and people give out gifts for various reasons; sometimes these reasons maybe conflicting. Culturally, some periods demand gift giving such as: Christmas time or a birthday celebration. On some occasion, choosing the best gift ideas and giving gift helps to strengthen the relationships with loved ones and family members. Even a single gesture like ordering flowers online can mean a lot to our beloved. In this article we will discuss the main reasons why we present gifts: 

A way of showing love and devotion

We can comfortably say that gifts are used to serve as a symbol of love and devotion between two partners and this proves the theory of “symbolic interactionism”. This theory explains that symbols are used as a means for communication among individuals. An example is the fact that men tend to get flowers as worthy gifts for their partners to express love and devotion. The beauty and fragrance of the flowers can easily represent feelings of love. 

To build and reinforce relationships

The gift we give to friends or family help to strengthen bonds and it reflects the character of the giver and receiver as well as indicates the nature of their relationship. When we give out gift, it helps to show how much we appreciate the other person and communicate how we feel. Some sociologists have proposed that we only give gifts to people we have or want a relationship with.

To Show Your Appreciation

It is also important to give a swag gift to our loved ones randomly—not during birthdays or any designated holiday. This shows how much we appreciate them. A gift can also be given to reward our friends and loved ones for an achievement or encourage proper behavior. For instance, you can decide to buy your child a new toy for keeping his room tidy or getting them a tumbler for accompanying you to the gym. 

Also, you can give gift to your boss or a co-worker. For instance, you can gift a co-worker a notebook or a calendar to encourage their effort towards ensuring organization at the workplace. You can also present a customized mug to a boss or superior as an appreciation for their efforts towards maintaining smooth operation in the workplace.  

To Make People Feel Special

One of the many ways we can show love and concern to a family member travelling abroad, a retiring co-worker, a friend leaving for school is by giving them gifts. When we present them with a specialized gift, it helps to strengthen our relationship with them and also serve as a symbol they would remember us by. Also, they will appreciate the thought and effort you put into creating a specialized gift for them.