topic Re: What is Your Idea of a "Gift?" in Community Chat

What is Your Idea of a "Gift?"

Sooner — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 16:54:45 GMT

I learn so much about myself from all of you!

Because of many recent discussions here recently about gifts (other than family or others who might ask for something specific or what I know they want), I realize that my idea of a gift has changed a lot.

I am asking the age-old question: Is it just me?

Especially since COVID, I want to fill a need, to take the pressure off, provide some peace. Not a "thing" in many cases. "Gift" has gone from "what" to "how." Even a "thing" I think how does it help them or would they have to care for or find a place for it?

I want to give time, usefulness or comfort.

Re: What is Your Idea of a "Gift?"

deepwaterdotter — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 17:10:30 GMT

i love your idea about giving the gift of "comfort", however that is defined by the recipient.

Re: What is Your Idea of a "Gift?"

Harpa — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 17:12:24 GMT

Not everyone recognizes those true gifts, @Sooner ! Maybe as we mature, we cherish those the most! I know I do!

Re: What is Your Idea of a "Gift?"

haddon9 — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 17:15:38 GMT

It's not the same for everyone but for me it's spending the holidays with family & friends....something that we didn't entirely do last year. It's the warmth and spirit of the season and good times. If I get or give "gifts" it's just extras.

Re: What is Your Idea of a "Gift?"

godi — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 17:25:57 GMT

Ok being honest here, I can not stand receiving a statue or some other object for my home. I can not stand candles, I stopped burning them years ago. And boy I do not need candy or other food. What I do and wish others would do fo me (IMO) is a gift card to local grocery store, gas station. So needed especially now. Write something heart felt in the card and believe me it's so thoughtful and welcomed. ❤️🎁

Re: What is Your Idea of a "Gift?"

tansy — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 17:38:06 GMT

My grandkids are young still so toys and books are the expected gifts for the next few years.

My husband and I don't want presents. He still receives puzzles, which are often duplicates, and I get earrings and kids' artwork. I do like the art 😊

Re: What is Your Idea of a "Gift?"

meem120 — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 17:34:10 GMT

I agree with Godi. I don't want any of the silly things anymore. No candles, throws, fuzzy slippers or anything like that. Yes to restaurant cards! Gas cards, hairdresser or manicure places. Even Dunkin' Donuts. Our needs have changed over the years.

Re: What is Your Idea of a "Gift?"

Growing — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 17:37:02 GMT

Have you heard of the book about the love languages? The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. One of those is gifts of service. But not everyone has the same love language. Mine is also gifts of service. My husband's love language is giving gifts period, not of service. I am not sure exactly what you are asking but I do think people have differnet ideas of what a gift is. They are not wrong and you are not wrong. It just that everyone is different.

Re: What is Your Idea of a "Gift?"

Another new name Sue — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 17:42:27 GMT

A gift is something the recipient will enjoy, something that reflects an understanding of their likes and interests. In other words, a husband should not gift his wife that blower he has been wanting.

Re: What is Your Idea of a "Gift?"

haddon9 — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 17:46:56 GMT

@Another new name Sue wrote:
A gift is something the recipient will enjoy, something that reflects an understanding of their likes and interests. In other words, a husband should not gift his wife that blower he has been wanting.

Perfectly said!

I think it makes a big difference when one really thinks about their recipient and what they may like.

Re: What is Your Idea of a "Gift?"

kitcat51 — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 17:50:10 GMT

whatever I decide to give.

Re: What is Your Idea of a "Gift?"

DesertGems — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 17:52:51 GMT

The best gifts in life do not require a fat pocketbook.

Some of the best gifts to give to others:

1. The gift of listening..someone may need to express themselves.

2. The gift of a compliment..may "make" someone's day

3. The gift of a cheerful disposition..a positive, optimistic

outlook is contagious. Smile, say Hello, ask how they're doing.

4.The gift of a written note...A simple "Thanks for...." note

may be remembered for a lifetime.

5.The gift of friendship...Friends encourage us to succeed,

make us smile. They support us and open their hearts ❤️

to us.

Happy Holidays!

Re: What is Your Idea of a "Gift?"

QVCkitty1 — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 17:54:07 GMT

I don't have many talents, but one of them is gift giving. People seem to look forward to my gifts. I always try to think of the person and what they like, not what I want them to have. A gift should say. I thought about you . JMO.

Re: What is Your Idea of a "Gift?"

Thats Me — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 18:00:44 GMT

I like to give what I believe the recipients will enjoy, especially if it's something they might find too frivolous to buy for themslves. But they'd love to have it.

Re: What is Your Idea of a "Gift?"

RedTop — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 18:28:40 GMT

@Sooner

You and I are often on the same page with our opinions, and especially with the topic of gifts.

I stopped shopping for Christmas gifts many years ago. I gift in a way that eases someone's stress or financial burden, or put forth physical effort to do something for them that shows I care.

I need nor want for nothing, and make that clear to my husband and daughters. When my daughters call or text from the grocery store or Sams Club and ask what I need, that's a gift. If my husband surprises me with my favorite Bojangles biscuit once a week, or walks in with a York peppermint patty, that's the kind of gift that warms my heart and stays with me longer.

Re: What is Your Idea of a "Gift?"

Sooner — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 18:38:56 GMT

@deepwaterdotter wrote:
i love your idea about giving the gift of "comfort", however that is defined by the recipient.

@deepwaterdotter You are so right! I would hate and never use a spa day or manicure, etc.

Re: What is Your Idea of a "Gift?"

magicmoodz — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 18:54:28 GMT

I believe the greatest thing we could do this year is place a moratorium on gift-giving among our family and friends. Instead we could give to those who have been tragically affected by the tornadoes that turned their lives upside down with unthinkable devastation.

Re: What is Your Idea of a "Gift?"

Trinity11 — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 18:55:16 GMT

What a lot of my loved ones don't realize about me is that the gift of their time now means more to me than an object. My kids lead fast paced, very busy lives and a phone call once in awhile is all the gift I need or want...

Re: What is Your Idea of a "Gift?"

Pezzie — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 20:09:30 GMT

Long ago, when DD asked what I wanted for Christmas or DH, I told her we really didn't want or need anything. She then said going forward she was going to renew our prime membership. That's been years ago, continues till this day, and it's been a gift that we make use of every single day. Love it!

Re: What is Your Idea of a "Gift?"

LindaSal — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 20:36:29 GMT

@DesertGems Nicely said.