The Gift of Giving

Christmas is coming! Which also means family, friends, cookies, santa, cute decorations, carols and lastly the first of our worries... GIFTS! We can all agree that it's something we all look forward too. However one thing we can't say the same for is buying gifts that result in empty wallets. It's something we can all relate to, as many shoppers every year search frantically for the perfect gift. Can people really buy happiness? I recently read an article called " Money Can't Buy Love: Asymmetric Beliefs about Gift Price and Feelings of Appreciation." by Francis J. Flynn and Gabrielle S. Adams. This article compared feelings behind gift-giving and gift-recipients, researching the amount of appreciation between both the giver and receiver. It was a really interesting read because it discussed how many people tend to overspend, or struggle to take account of the receivers perspective. It also talked about how people tend to believe that the more expensive the gift the more appreciative they will feel. I disagree with that thought, I honestly would be happy with a simple gift, sure a more expensive gift would be nice but I think that just pressures me into having to give something expensive back. In my perspective I believe people should appreciate the littler things, instead of relying on the amount of money spent to measure your happiness or friendship. I also recently saw a video of a mother giving her young daughter a gift, and inside was a paper clip. My prediction was that the child was going to throw a tantrum but to my surprise she thanked her mom. I believe more children and adults should be like her, in my opinion its the thoughts that counts. Just seeing someone else's smile is such a great thing. What are everyone else's thoughts on receiving or buying someone else a gift? Have you ever felt disappointed at a gift? Whats the best/worst gift you have ever received? Whats the best gift in life? 

"The manner of giving is worth more than the gift." - Pierre Corneille