Gift giving is an age old form of reciprocity, generosity, love and friendship. Though gift giving is an uplifting experience, deciding what to give proves to be a challenge for many. There are a multitude of factors to consider; however, the toughest part of the process is isolating personal biases in order to find a gift that caters to a different person. Although gifts can be bought, creating a homemade gift is the most memorable method.
Store-bought gifts offer an easy way out, since they require minimal effort, but they can still be customizable to the person’s interests. For example, buying a tea set for a tea-lover. While the present is store-bought, it is still thoughtful because it takes into account the person’s likes and dislikes. Small things, such as giving gift cards to a teacher or co-worker, allow those relationships to stay open and friendly.
While bought gifts are convenient and work great for select situations, homemade gifts are best for closer relationships. “I feel like as long as I like it, any gift is fine, but usually the homemade gifts are the ones I end up liking more,” Hallie Wells 8th grader Ayza Siddiqi said. The process of creating a present brings forth a new level of intention. Creating something from scratch shows the gift giver’s dedication and effort much clearer than a pre-packaged item.
Homemade gifts can incorporate inside jokes or niche interests that make the gift special and personalized. The act of giving a homemade gift brings joy to both parties; the receiver feels grateful and excited, while the giver feels validated and appreciated. This shared happiness and mutual appreciation can strengthen bonds. In fact, according to a survey of 2,000 Americans, conducted by One Poll, 62 percent of Americans prefer gifts that feel more genuine and personal.
In today’s day and age, people are surrounded by material items, and by default society as a whole is immersed in a materialistic culture. Everybody wants to get in on the newest iPhone, the best car, or the trendiest shoes. Over the past couple of years, consumerism and materialistic culture have been enhanced due to billions of people sharing their possessions on social media. This can range from designer clothes to multi-million dollar house tours.
Store-bought gifts largely feed into the consumerist longing for expensive goods. Many people assume that a heftier price tag correlates to more care and love from the giver. Anyone can swipe a credit card, but putting in the time and effort for a homemade gift demonstrates real endearment and dedication. “[Homemade gifts] come from the heart, and I love being able to see the time and effort they put in to make me feel special,” Albert Einstein junior Sophie Nightingale Edwards said. Homemade gifts offer more meaning and depth rather than the short term happiness gained from a chain store present.
Depending on the occasion and person, different gifts are ideal. However, when it comes down to the impact of the gift, it is better to go with that homemade apple pie or customized painting. Even though it may take more time and preparation to make, those details are what make up a memorable and heartfelt gift. As the holiday season approaches, there is no better time to develop personal relationships and share your appreciation by giving meaningful gifts.
Article by Inaya Siddiqi of Clarksburg High School
Graphic by Charles Wang of Walter Johnson High School