No Gifts Please….

          
I know that it is surprising to hear from someone saying “No” to gifts. We all love gifts, whether it’s about receiving gift or about giving gifts. Gift… the word itself gives us a beautiful feeling. It often leaves a pleasant smile on our faces. Remember as a child we used to wait eagerly for our Birthday. We used to make long & long lists of the guests ensuring that no one is left behind. Even as a child we knew that all the friends & other guests will bring lot of gifts for us. The moment the birthday party got over we used to rush to the gifts pile to open them. We use to stay awake late hours to make sure no gift is left unopened. It used to fill our eyes with a sparkle. Even today when we receive a gift, we cherish the moment with sparkling eyes.
Similarly giving gifts is considered as a basic gesture. On special occasions we do give gifts, but today it is like a hygiene factor that whenever you meet someone it is considered as a great gesture to greet if you give a gift. It does not matter that whether the gift isvery expensive or an inexpensive one. The most important thing is the gesture & the feel that can be felt by the giver and receiver at that moment. It always cherishes both. I remember when I went to visit a national park. We stayed at a government guest house. It was just a weekend trip , so we stayed there for just one and a half day only. While we were winding up our bags , the person who served us and ensure that almost everything we asked for is made available if possible, brought us something wrapped in white paper. I was surprised that what it is? He gave it to each one of us visiting there. It was so unexpected that we felt curious like a kid to see what it is? We opened it and found that it was beautiful scenery of the rare views of the National park that filled us with immense joy and pleasure.
It is very easy to suggest what gift can be given. We can always have a never-ending list to the giving trend. But ever thought there could be some gifts which can be displeasing to the receiver. Yes there are quite a few things that fall in this list. Some consists of the myths and some because of the rude meaning and intention they convey. We have a few as from the list below:1)   Deodorants : Though we all use it but it it is never advised to gift someone a deodorant conveys the message that the receiver stinks.2)   Handkerchief : I heard about this one as a child itself that if u give a set of handkerchief to someone as gift , the chances are that the distances between you two will elongate. However never tried to experiment this myth as I am afraid of losing people around.3)   Work-out equipments: Especially to girls its is never advised as it conveys the message that she needs to get in shape.4)   Weighing Scale : It says aloud “ Keep a check on your weight”.5)   Coupons to a cookery class/ workshop : This one is like saying a person that he doesn’t know how to cook at all.6)   Framed photograph of someone else’s baby or family : Only if the baby’s picture is being gifted to the grandparents it is acceptable . No one requires someone else’s baby or family picture.7)   Piggy Bank : It is a good gift for a child who is in the learning phase to save money but not for a grown up. As this might convey that the person is spendthrift or is incapable to manage his finances & savings.8)   Animals : No doubt they are cute enough but they call for time , money, commitment & responsibility, which is difficult in today’s life.9)   Gifts for yourself : It is never appreciated that you buy a 60’ inch flat screen television for the house and mentioning it as a gift to the partner as he/ she will also be using it.10)Cheap Wines : One should never gift someone a cheap wine. As wines are known for its richness and exclusive tastes, so please never experiment.
- Richa Madan Sharma