The act of giving gifts has been in practice since prehistoric times. There are many reasons individuals give gifts, whether it may be for the holidays, simply because they want to or if it’s their love language.
Holidays
Gift giving is ingrained in many cultures as a way to show appreciation during the holidays. Over the years, specific holidays such as valentines day and birthdays have become commercialized to the point where it’s not only appreciated but also expected that gifts are being given and received.
While this goes for less thought of holidays, gifts are also incorporated into religious holidays that more people tend to celebrate. Each religion has a backstory as to why gifts are important within their culture.
In the month of December both Hanukkah and Christmas are celebrated which both heavily revolve around the act of giving gifts. During Hanukkah, gifts symbolize gratefulness to their religion while gifting for Christmas also represent key aspects of christianity.
Giving gifts has been prominent for many years and will continue to hold importance as holidays honoring the tradition of gifts are celebrated.
Love language around gifts
Love languages are defined as ways that people express love in a relationship. There are five different love languages, one of them being gift giving.
Green Hope junior Clara Maroney identifies with gift giving as her love language. “Giving people gifts has always made me feel happy because you can see the joy on their face after giving them a gift,” she said.
For Maroney, her realization that gift giving was her love language came very young. She said, “When I was little I used to bring my parents my toys as ‘gifts’ to show them that I loved them and since then, I realized the way I show people I care about them is through giving gifts.”
Many gift givers feel connected to the gifts that they are giving, as it “feels like a way to show you truly know someone,” Maroney said.
Younger populations are more likely to enjoy gift giving than older individuals, demonstrating the potential rise for this love language. Oftentimes the people who get joy from giving gifts are those that enjoy instant gratification as it’s easy to see when someone is appreciative of a given gift.
Whether it may be for the holidays or for personal gratification, the well known act of giving gifts remains the center for many different events ranging from anniversaries and holidays to “just because.” Different cultures embrace the practice in different ways, however gift giving is shown through the framework of tradition worldwide.
Knowing that gift cards are an easy choice for gift giving, the GH falcon surveyed over 200 students and staff to find out their favorite gift cards to receive.
- Amazon: The most popular option, many Green Hope students enjoy Amazon gift cards for the flexibility.
- Chick-Fil-A: Green Hope students’ favorite lunch spot, receiving a Chick-Fil-A gift card is a favorite for many students
- REI: An unexpected choice, Green Hope students who enjoy the outdoors get great joy from receiving REI gift cards
- Starbucks: A great gift for caffeine drink lovers, Starbucks provides a place for students to get a jump start on the morning
- Target: This popular discount retailer offers a wide array of options, ranging from clothes to snacks to tech, making it a one-stop shop for Green Hope students.
- VISA: Like Amazon, many students prefer VISA for its unlimited options online and in person.
- Target: Whether it’s shopping for new clothes or buying gifts for children, many teachers prefer Target gift cards.
- Amazon: Famous for their extensive selection and fast shipping, teachers enjoy Amazon gift cards for their versatility.
- Starbucks: The most popular choice among teachers, many teachers sip on their Starbucks as they prep for their classes
- Chick-Fil-A: With a nearby location and tasty food, many teachers look forward to a Chick-Fil-A meal following the school day.
- Dunkin: Providing an option of both donuts and coffee, several teachers at Green Hope enjoy receiving a Dunkin gift card.
- Butchers Market: A meat lovers paradise, Mr. John Regan loves picking out a cut of steak and grilling it for dinner.
With the holiday season in full swing, scavenging for last minute gifts can be stressful when you don’t even know what to buy.
Annual gift giving is the highlight of many people’s holiday season and nothing feels worse than gifting a gift that you’re not sure if someone will enjoy or use. The opposite is also true, giving a gift that is used and appreciated can bring joy and satisfaction to yourself.
1.) Budget Friendly Buys – Under $20
- Personalized Mug
A personalized mug can hold a special message, name, or even an inside joke that brings joy with every sip. Beyond text, images can also be placed on mugs creating a functional gift that takes your loved one back to a cherished memory.
- Portable Charger
The holiday seasons are accompanied with severe winter weather that can take power away for many unknown periods of time. Portable chargers are a great gift to help your loved one keep their devices powered on when they need it
- Tile Bluetooth Trackers
At just $18 this small, lightweight gift makes a big impact on the peace of your loved ones. Despite seeming to be just a 2.25 square inch keychain attachment, they can be attached to car keys, backpacks, or any other valuable and easily located via mobile app. Moreover the tiles can also be used to trigger a sound to ring from your phone to help locate.
2.) Mid-Range Wonders – $20-$50
- Tumbler
A tumbler is the perfect tool to help keep drinks both warm and cool. With the holiday seasons being accompanied with the coldest temperatures of the year, a tumbler can help your loved one keep their drinks warm and easily transportable. Being both a step up from a mug, there are a variety of tumblers that can be purchased to fit the personality of your loved one.
- Echo Dot
Help turn your loved ones home into a smart home this holiday season and gift an Amazon Echo Dot. It’s more than just a speaker, it can set up alarms or reminders and even connect to your thermostat to easily change temperature. This practical gift will be used daily and make an impact on the life of your loved one.
3.) Splurge Worthy Specials – Over $50
- Artwork
A piece of customized artwork can be a unique and memorable gift The variety of artwork that is available for purchase at varying prices means that you can give your loved one a painting that is suitable to them.
- Headphones or Speaker
Devices to enhance the audio listening experience is always a great gift that will be utilized several times a day. The variety of options available at a variety of price points means that you have flexibility in the amount of money spent as well as the quality of the device ultimately received.
The staff of the GHFalcon would love a donation to help the journalism program at Green Hope continue to flourish. Many of our donations go to towards improving the materials that we deliver to you in electronic format. Thank you so much to those that are able to donate.
