By Katelyn Lam, Staff Writer
Not all gifts are determined by their monetary value; they can be determined by the thought, time, or effort put into the gift. For example, when weighing the differences between an expensive bag or a thoughtful handwritten letter, which one is more meaningful to you? That’s a question many people try to answer when they go to pick out a gift. Gift giving can be guesswork in finding something that the person would like, while not looking as if it were last minute. It’s hard to place an exact value on a gift, since it can vary by person, but in general, effort and meaning are important factors as well as the relationship between the giver and the receiver.
Some gifts are valued more for what they represent, rather than the cost or monetary value. For example, when I got my first phone, I didn’t think about how much it cost or how much time my parents spent on it— I was focused on the fact that I finally had a little more freedom. I was given the responsibility that comes with having a phone. It was a milestone in my life, and something that I asked for for a long time. It was a rite of passage, marking the change between a child and a teen, at least in my case. It represented something important between my parents and me. With gifts like these, the price doesn’t play as big of a factor. It meant my parents acknowledged that I was growing up.
Along with that, there are other factors that play into a gift. The perceived effort put into the gift plays a big role in how it’s received. Sometimes, the effort put into a gift may not be immediately noticeable at first glance, but as you take the time to look at every detail of what they got you, it becomes easier to see if this was something the giver purchased last minute or something they thought you would genuinely appreciate. Maybe it’s something you’ve been asking for for a while, or a thing that you mentioned in passing, which are the type of gifts that show that the giver listened and paid attention to what you wanted. For a lot of people, the gift itself may not matter, but the effort and meaning behind it does.
The value of a gift given by different people may change depending on the giver. The expectation you have while opening the gift plays a big part in the value. A gift given by a distant relative, for example, may already hold value simply because they bothered to send a gift, as generic as the gift may be. The same gift given by a closer family member or friend, on the other hand, may be disappointing because the gift wouldn’t hold the same value coming from someone closer and the gift could have been given to anyone. The standards set for different people hold a big importance when determining the value of a gift. But even between a closer group of people, a gift from someone may be heartfelt, but the same gift from another person in the same group may seem as if they weren’t trying at all. A gift card or cash is a safe gift to give someone, as you don’t have to put as much time and effort into the gift, and they won’t be disappointed when they receive something they would have no use for. But when it’s someone you know well giving you a gift card, it may not mean as much to you.
Gifts come in all shapes, sizes, and price tags, but the thought and effort put into it weighs heavier than any of those. A gift is more than something to give, rather it’s a show of appreciation for the person and a sign of your relationship. Gifts vary in value and meaning depending on the recipient, and although there is never a concrete way to tell how someone might receive your gift, it’s always good to try your best and find a gift that’s both thoughtful and meaningful.
