The Art of Gifting By Danielle Stirling "I hate the giving of the hand unless the whole man accompanies it." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
The practice of gift-giving dates all the way back to the Romans who started the ritual as a means to please the Emperor. The gifts were a token of affection that represented luck or merely admiration. Ever since, gift giving has evolved into a meaningful action performed to celebrate a milestone in a person's life, a holiday or just to cheer someone up. Giving a gift to another human being has its own rewards, which uplift the human spirit and enrich another's life. The gift symbolizes a connection between two spirits and, if done correctly, can stand the test of time as a memorable keepsake that is passed on throughout the generations. Great thought and dedication to detail should always be given when gifting to another.
From the Heart When giving a gift it should come from your heart, in every sense of the word. The gift should hold a special meaning or represent a common interest between you and the recipient. A gift should never be something you grab off the store shelf without a thought or something you buy because it is simply "on sale". Time and planning should go into the selection of the gift. Careful consideration as to the quality of the gift, and the materials used to craft it, are also fundamentally important to ensure that the gift is well made and will not fall apart the first time it is used.
The Pleasure in Presentation The way a gift is presented is almost as important as the gift itself. The wrapping paper and embellishments are the 'icing on the cake' that peak the recipient's anticipation before they can even open it. The latest trends in gift-wrapping include using solid colored wrapping paper and a bit of bling in the form of ribbons or faux gemstones. A gift should never be wrapped in inappropriate gift-wrap, especially if it's a birthday present wrapped in 'Happy New Year' paper. Brown paper bags, newspaper or even the 'Sunday Funnies' page are not ideal for giving a significant gift. It shows carelessness and degrades the sentiment of the gift before it is even opened. A well-wrapped gift will jumpstart the recipients heart and will make the moment all the more special.
The Etiquette of Gifting When giving a gift, one must follow a certain etiquette to complete the sentiment with a resounding success. Discussing how much the gift cost, how hard it was to find or that you have one just like it at home will demean the whole occasion. Instead, keep quiet while the recipient soaks it all in and, hopefully, drools all over it! All that you need to do is say, "Your Welcome," when all the praise is lovingly heaped upon your shoulders.
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