A Gift for Thought

What I loved about Mat being in his pre-elementary school, there was always a child who celebrated birthday from time to time. That means I got to indulge my hobby as a gift hunter.

One might question how I could spend time and money to do such "small" things. Well, I take gifts seriously, even if it's only for a child who might not understand its value well yet (sad to say, some adults still do NOT either).

I don't always have big budget for gifts, but I always try to put extra thoughts in choosing and presenting them.  It irritates me when someone says "Just choose one quickly.  Who cares if they'd like it or not, or if they could use it or not. A gift is just a gift."

Not for me.  I'd be very disappointed if I knew the recipient didn't like my gifts.  Or if my gifts would only be wasted.  And I believe they'd be disappointed too, to receive a gift they didn't want.

That's why in some cultures, people open their gifts right away, in front of the gift-givers.  So that instant reaction can be seen. Some cultures allow people to return or exchange the unwanted gifts too.  I'd love to adapt those cultures very much, but it's difficult to do around here.

I remember when my sister and her husband gave me a necklace for my wedding gift.  I loved it so much.  But I forgot to wear it during my honeymoon trip (after all the wedding day hustles).  My brother-in-law said to me, "Do you like it?  Why didn't you wear it? Aaawww .. I'm so sad, I'm so looking into seeing you wear it."

I felt very sad too.

So .. why would anyone think I should care less in giving gifts, especially for children? They love gifts.  Big or small.  They love things.  Simple or complicated.  Hell, they even play with the ribbons and the paperwraps .. maybe one day I could present them only colorful ribbons wrapped in colorful papers, and heard them squealed in joy. Who could resist seeing the delights in their eyes?

I don't care if people gave "unthoughtful" gifts for Mat because of their principal in "A gift is just a gift". As long as I can restrain myself for doing the same, I am content.

Maybe I should consider changing my job into opening a gift shop.

I bought this for one of Mat's friend ..

.. and I wrapped it.