We are constantly faced with many occasions every year that require us to think creatively and come up with unique gifts for family, friends, coworkers, or hosts. There are at least 12 days a year that we wish to express our appreciation, make someone feel special or say thank you. Sometimes it’s just politeness or tradition. We want it to be right, regardless of the reason.trial separation boundaries
This is a difficult task for most people, even or perhaps especially when we have a good relationship with the person we are gifting to. Although this may seem surprising, psychologists and anthropologists say that it is quite normal to have to struggle with fulfilling our gift-giving obligations. There are many reasons for this: First, we worry about sending the wrong message. Bad gift choices can cause upset or worsen the relationship. We are also concerned about what the gift may say about us. Over-the-top, arrogant or pompous could be interpreted as a sign that we are not caring enough about the receiver. Too little could be viewed as cheap or as a lack of concern. Last but not least, perfectionists are those who don’t like things to be ‘just right’ and expect it to be.
With all this pressure, it can be difficult to find creative gift ideas that are thoughtful and original. The closer we are to the receiver, the more important our relationship, business or personal, is, the more pressure we feel and the harder it becomes to choose the right gift.
However, this recurring problem can be solved. You can communicate the message through the gift choice accurately and ensure that the act of giving strengthens your relationship rather than making it more difficult. Not panicking is the answer. Instead, we need to take some time to think through what we are trying to communicate, to whom, and in what context. We also need to consider how valuable it is to us, not just in financial terms.
George MacDonald, a Scottish poet and author, said it very well: “If we were to give a gift instead of a jewel, or even flowers, we should send the gift of a loving thought into a friend’s heart, that would be giving like the angels give.”
How can we make our gift choices more meaningful?
We must first decide what message we want to send. It’s our script. It goes beyond a happy birthday or Merry Christmas. It could be an expression or gratitude for friendship (“Thanks for being a wonderful person, I appreciate you”), or a message of affection (“You are my best friend, I love you”)
After we have decided what the message should say, it is time to think about the relationship that we have with the recipient. This is all about the language gift. Does it have to be professional? Do you have a family member, a friend or a relative? The more intimate the relationship, the better the gift should be. Professional relationships require more conservative gifts. Relationships that are based on love should have intimate gifts.
The setting will be determined by the reason, occasion or reason. You can choose a safe choice if you are not sure what to give. You can be creative in most cases but it is best to look at the occasion to get ideas.
Let’s go over the theory, but let’s look at an example to show how simple thoughtful gift-giving can actually be.
The script
Do not be discouraged: Your journey is about to start! You are important to me and I look forward to spending more time with you now that you’ve entered the next stage of your life. “I’m here for you to share this experience with me.”
The language
Father of a close family, loving and open relationship. A good sense of humor.
The setting
Retirement is the occasion, and the gift will then be presented privately over a family meal to celebrate it.
The result: thoughtful retirement gifts
The Guide to Retirement provides useful advice about what to do when you reach that milestone. Listen to the experience and advice of others who have been there.
– A breakfast gift basket to share with your family.
– A special outing or event, such as a hot-air balloon ride. Life isn’t over yet. Go and try something new or exciting or fulfill a long-held desire.