By Abigail Chai, Entertainment Editor
The winter season is filled with numerous holidays which are celebrated in their own, unique ways, but they often share one common theme: gift giving! For many, receiving gifts is something to look forward to year-round, whether it’s the latest shoes, phone, etc. But overtime, traditional ways of gift-giving have slowly been replaced, with people opting to give cash and/or gift cards to their loved ones as presents during the holidays. This phenomenon isn’t just confined to the holidays either, with many now deciding to offer money as gifts for birthdays, weddings, and celebrations in general. Overtime, the change in tradition has been questioned, often receiving mixed feelings with many citing their reasons towards a likeness over another, thus raising the question: What really is the “perfect gift” this winter?
Generally, money has shown to be an openly welcomed gift by a majority of people, the main consensus being that it’s more practical than receiving an “actual” gift. A study conducted in 2019 showed that out of 1,000 surveyed Americans, about 61% of them preferred cash/gift cards in lieu of customary presents. This large consensus could be a result of many reasons, but many have ultimately agreed it’s due to Americans finally embracing practicality amidst winter festivities. Many are tired of receiving useless and/or disliked gifts that serve little to no purpose in their lives. However, money is a seeming solution to this problem, guaranteeing that the recipient would make use of their gift in one way or another. When offered a form of cash as a gift, receivers are free to use the money as they like, whether it be purchasing something they actually want or investing the money towards their futures.
Gifting money also finds practicality in another point, contributing to a decrease in waste during the holidays. The amount of waste created in the time from Thanksgiving to New Years has shown to increase between 25 and 43 percent, a prevalent problem in society each year. Waste during this period is often a consequence of several aspects of gift giving such as wrapping paper, ribbons/bows, and gifts being thrown out shortly afterwards, as many don’t find use in received presents. However, offering cash in place of a well packaged present not only eliminates the scraps that come with traditional gifts, but also decreases the number of gifts finding their way into the landfill.
Don’t be mistaken though as many still prefer traditional means of gift-giving, as they often show better sentimental value in comparison. Traditional gifts come with many features (as stated before), that make them more extravagant and overall, meaningful. While cash and/or gift cards are more than often encased in a simple envelope or card, actual gifts frequently require extra effort when it comes to packaging. While a somewhat small aspect that many overlook, it’s this extra effort which reveals the work someone is willing to put in for a loved one.
Many also find that the gift itself shows value regardless of how much they truly enjoy the gift or the usefulness it plays in their lives. Picking the perfect gift for a friend or family member requires one to consider what the recipient enjoys, their interests, etc., displaying interest which simply cannot be conveyed through gestures of cash.
Junior, Elaine Chan (11) expressed similar reasons as to why she enjoys the traditional gifts over gestures of money. “People have to put more thought into it and actually consider what you like.” She stated. “I feel like money doesn’t show as much care.”
Nonetheless, whether you enjoy gift cards, cash, or a gift from the top of your wishlist, it’s important to remember the holidays aren’t just all about the gifts, but rather about spending time with your loved ones. Presents are meant to show both love and care, and in their own special ways, always present some aspect of practicality.
