by Lorelei Cohen

Created on: March 17, 2008

Gifts come in many forms and are given for many different reasons. Although sometimes gifts are given with an ulterior motive in mind, generally gifts are given with the sole intention of increasing the wellbeing or happiness of the receiver, and as such are given without a need for reciprocation.

Sometimes a gift is the giving of one's service to another. Gifts given to uplift the spirits of another person or creature can be as simple as the giving of a kiss or a hug. Other gifts of this nature might include watching a neighbors home while they are away, mowing an elderly persons lawn, housecleaning, babysitting, accounting services, a haircut or a manicure, and each of these gifts would be given strictly for the immediate benefit that they provide to the receiver.

Generally though, when we think of gift giving, we picture the present itself as a much more tangible object that is presented to the receiver. These gifts are however still often given to alleviate the stresses of, or to increase the happiness of the recipient, and may include packages of food or clothing, gift certificates or money.

Luxury items such as artwork, jewelry, antiques or collectibles may also be given as gifts, and besides being cherished for their sentimental value, these items may come with the added benefit of a potential increase to their original value the older they become. These luxury items are of course usually given to enhance the pleasure of the person who receives them, but over the course of time, that pleasure may be more aptly received through the monies that the sale of these same articles can provide. As true gift giving is done without obligation on the part of the beneficiary, the choice as to whether or not to take advantage in the selling of the original gift is one that is solely to be decided upon by the recipient of that gift. How they can derive the greatest pleasure from the gift, is something that only they may know, so it is at their discretion to choose as to how the gift will best serve their needs. The gift after all is theirs. As previously defined, a gift is given without obligation, and as such it should no longer have any connection to the giver once it is given.

So if grandma's diamond earrings bring you more pleasure as food on the table, than they currently are sitting in your jewelry box, by all means visit your local antique dealer to see what price they may be able to fetch. If selling that gosh awful statue that sits in your closet because it is just too ugly to decorate your living room, pop a picture of it on E-bay, if Uncle Henry truly cares about you then he'll understand. If he doesn't, then maybe the next time he selects a gift for someone, he'll think a little more carefully and truly choose a gift for their enjoyment instead of his own.

So go ahead, and enjoy your gift, as you see it fits you best.

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