New Era Of Gifting?
A walk in nature covered in snow and ice - the most precious gift for me.
Imagine the following scenario:
It's afternoon, your extended family is gathered in the living room, and everyone is watching you. It's your birthday party, and you're opening a gift. There's no so much excitement as nervousness because you wish that you will like the present. You open the gift, see what's inside, and the fog instantly enters the silent space. It’s not what you've ever wished for… Now is the time to use your acting skills because you don't want to make the giver sad - "Oh, thank you, it's nice, I like it" - and smile as widely as possible.
I don't know about you, but this happened in my life, and it made me unhappy. I felt sorry for the person. I'm not very good at hiding feelings, so it can be a very uncomfortable situation for the gift buyer as well.
It's funny how people usually come to a birthday party, give you a present, wish you all the best, and then continue to talk about everything else. What if they paid more attention to the birthday girl instead? For example, ask the celebrant how she's been doing lately, about her internal birthday wishes and plans, what she's achieved in the past year, and so on? Is it a birthday celebration or just another party with good food?
What if this whole gift-giving cycle and mentality are not there to sustain and need some refreshment? What if we could enjoy opening every present? Do we even need them? Can a present provide more than short-term satisfaction? Can it brighten your whole life, make a small change for the better in your life, bring you closer to your loved ones, give you the chance to spend quality time with someone?
A gift can make memories, create an unforgettable adventure, and become a part of your story. Value is not only measured in money and WHAT you have around you. For me, it's measured by WHO I have around me, by the time I spend with people, and by the emotions and feelings I receive.
Most of us don't need another fancy pen, a jewelry box, or cute, fluffy room decoration. If you ask yourself, “what was the best present you've ever received?” – is it even materialistic?
Well, maybe partly… In my case, it's always connected to the thought and the intention behind it. My favourite gifts I've ever received are still a treasure hunt, a visit from my friends for my birthday, a hike in the snow, and sincere, simple messages from my dear ones. There is no material gift that comes to mind at the moment. But there are some I wish could be replaced with a warm hug and a time spent with the giver.
Where do the thoughtless gifts come from? Maybe as a result of a primary thought: "Oh, tomorrow is his/her birthday, I HAVE TO go BUY something QUICKLY!". When no additional idea is put into purchasing a gift, you play a lottery - the person might either like or dislike it. Moreover, there won't be this beautiful feeling of giving something you think the person will love.
What if we started by wanting to make a person happier? Would we still make a quick visit to a shop the day before the celebration?
Giving a present for a holiday or birthday is the norm these days. The list of friends and relatives you "should" buy or make a gift for can quickly become so long that the whole process of finding gifts becomes too overwhelming and stressful. Now, what can one do? Let's start by spending more time and, above all, more attention to this action. That way, things might become more clear.
If we think thoroughly - how can a store offer a better product as a gift for your partner or close friend than you? Why do we buy something from a foreign seller? What if we have a limitless power within us that allows us to create something so unique and so personal for our loved ones that no other store can give and create? It kind of makes sense, right?
“Less stuff you have, and more you give, more space is left for creativity to fill it. Creating is powerful. People say it makes them alive.”
Let's create meaningful presents for these holidays! You and your dear ones will love them!
This short "article" is just a little snippet about the whole humongous area of gifting, which I'm very passionate about. Stay tuned if you want to read more.
I would love to hear from you – any comment, thought, recommendation. Everything is very welcome!
<3,
Alenka