“A gift consists not in what is done or given, but in the intention of the giver or doer.”
― Seneca
The fine art of gifting
Gifting, to any that enjoy the practice and culture of giving, is not a ritual of buying, wrapping and distributing objects. It is, essentially, an exchange of emotion. Love, affection, respect, gratitude, concern and more. Which also goes to say, that gift giving is personal. Even when you buy a corporate gift for your colleagues and make bulk purchases, do you not spend at least a moment or two wondering if the gift will be liked and used? That moment makes even a bulk purchase personal. The need to give meaningful gifts, not just expensive or inexpensive objects at random.
Understand your recipient
The most observant of us are the ones that are able to give gifts that are treasured. Observation simply means devoting that little time to listening when people talk about interests, hobbies, likes and dislikes, preferences and priorities. And this observation can only happen if one can step beyond ones self-obsessions and views to really pay attention the stated and unstated needs of those around us. At work, or play.
