The Art of Gift-Giving

I think we’ve all walked back and forth in a store or scrolled online attempting to find the perfect gift for someone. When it comes to the holidays, Canadians prefer to go big. A report from the Retail Council of Canada shows that the average Canadian will spend about $900 per person on holiday gifts. Many people nowadays believe the quality of a gift is defined by its price tag. However, as the famous saying goes, “money can’t buy happiness.” Great gifts don’t have to be expensive, because the most cherished presents often come from the heart. Adding personal touches and thoughtful gestures to a gift can make a priceless impact on the recipient. 

Throughout the last few years, I have delved deeper into the art of gift-giving. It is a language that goes beyond wrapping paper and pretty bows. In my opinion, the perfect gift is the kind that shows we really know someone, that we’ve paid attention to the little things they need or that make them smile. 

Giving gifts is a tale as old as time. Researchers from the University of Oslo believe that gift-giving is an important aspect of human behaviour. Their article shows the reciprocal nature of gift-giving and the instinct to give a gift back to someone who gave us one. Although the reasons for gift-giving have evolved throughout history, one thing remains true: we give because we care. Every beautifully wrapped package reveals not just what you give, but who you are and how you feel. It is a reflection of your thoughtfulness, generosity, and how deeply you care about the recipient. 

To break down what makes a gift truly special, here is a guide through the acronym GIFT: Genuine, Intentional, Fulfilled, and Treasured. 

Step one to gift-giving is to ensure genuine emotion is portrayed through the gift. I normally put a lot of effort into brainstorming and making homemade gifts for my friends. Gift-giving starts by finding something that resonates on a personal level. To give a genuine gift, you need to think about what your relationship with the recipient truly means to you, whether it is love, friendship, gratitude, or support. What memories do you share? What inside jokes or shared memories do you have with them? For example, I recently met one of the most amazing people at a summer camp. Since he lives quite far from me, I created a collection of 50+ origami stars with a message on each one for him to read every day. At camp, I remember teaching him how to fold origami cranes and flowers as a rainy-day activity. Now, origami is a reminder of our friendship and how much little moments mean.

A truly meaningful gift can only come from the heart and reflects a genuine connection between the giver and recipient. 

Step two is to consider the intent behind your gift. A good gift is one that can carry a deeper meaning; one that says, “I thought of you specifically when I chose this.” It is all about being deliberate with the choices you make, putting into consideration what the recipient likes, and what you want them to feel after receiving this gift. When you give with intent, you are paying attention to the small details like remembering their favourite colour or something they are passionate about. In other words, a gift should make your recipient feel like this gift was meant for them and remind them how special they are to you. The intent behind a gift can also involve timing and location. Sometimes the best gifts are those given unexpectedly, or outside of a special occasion. Where you give your gift can also influence how your recipient reacts, as different locations may spark different emotions. For example, I prefer to give my gifts to recipients in private or in a generally less crowded area. I believe this allows for more intimacy and sincerity, as neither would be embarrassed. 

Step three to gift-giving is to find something that fulfills a desire or need of the recipient. It’s about finding that sweet spot where you give something that they have been needing or wanting. To give a fulfilling gift, you need to be attentive and observant. Many times, people will drop hints without even realizing it. Whether it is something they brought up subtly or a little action they make that shows desire towards something, you can get input without having to directly ask them. This step is one that I focus on a lot when giving gifts, since I personally appreciate it when I receive something that I want but would never buy for myself. For example, I have a friend who gets cold very easily, causing stomach aches and cramps. Because of this, I picked out a cutely packaged hot water pouch as a gift for him.

A fulfilling gift shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the recipient and pay attention to their needs. 

The fourth and final step to gift-giving is to consider the thoughtfulness of a gift. Arguably the most important element of gift-giving, a thoughtful gift is one that immediately displays the care put into the gift. It’s about going beyond the obvious and finding ways to add a personal touch that separates your gift from others. Thoughtful gifts often carry a personalized element: a handwritten note, a handmade item, or simply a memory associated with the gift. Even the way a gift is presented can represent its thoughtfulness. For example, creative packaging or a surprise reveal can make a big difference. 

The art of gift-giving is truly more than just the exchange of objects. It’s the exchange of emotions and thoughts. By following the acronym GIFT, you can create moments and surprises that show people you care. So, the next time you find yourself scurrying to find a perfect gift, remember that the best gifts are not about the price tag.