It’s the thought that counts…

With the holiday season fast approaching, many of you will be braving the
crowds in shops and shopping malls in order to find the perfect gift for a family
member or friend. With presents very much on our mind, we thought it might be
interesting to look at the language of gifts and giving.

For people that you know well, you will probably want to give a gift that
is thoughtful and personal. If you can’t find what you are looking for in the shops,
you might decide against a store-bought present and instead give a homemade
gift. Or you might choose a gift token (or gift voucher), allowing the family member
or friend to choose what they want for themselves, though you may think this
approach lacks the personal touch (=the quality of being chosen specially for one
person).

For someone very special, you might be looking for a gift that is lavish (= expensive
and impressive). However, most people agree it’s not the amount of money that you
spend, ‘it’s the thought that counts‘ (= what is most important is the kindness and
love that you show by giving the present). After all, an inexpensive but well chosen
present can be just as welcome. Sometimes, the giver even says as they are
presenting a small or modest gift, ‘It’s a little something.’ or ‘It’s just a token.’,
meaning that the gift is not of great value, but is intended to show kindness. If they
are giving the gift to thank a person, they may mention this at the same time, for
example, saying ‘It’s a token of my gratitude/appreciation‘.

Of course, gift buying isn’t always easy. Everyone has someone in the family who is
‘hard to buy for‘, whether it is a brother who is not at all materialistic (=keen on
money and possessions), or a sister who is so particular that she insists
on choosing her gifts herself. When you give a present to this type of person, it’s a
good idea to also give them the receipt so that they can return the item or take it
back. (A special gift receipt for this purpose will not show how much the present
cost.) If they like the item, but want to change one aspect of it – for example, the size
– they may exchange it instead. (Go to any store after the holiday season is over and
you will see people returning unwanted gifts.)

If you are giving gifts over the holiday season, we hope they will be appreciated. And
if you’re in any doubt, remember to hand over the receipt!