Recycling Gifts

CEBU, Philippines - In the first place, the best gift to give is one that the giver himself makes. The thought and, most of all, the effort makes it more meaningful, since the giver had also to devote some time in producing the gift. Presumably, thoughts about the intended recipient fill the giver's mind during the whole preparation process.

Nowadays, however, coming up with gifts have become more convenient, the process almost instantaneous. The store displays during the holidays - or at any day for that matter - have become the primary guides on what gifts to give. While thoughts by the giver for the recipient are still involved, of course, these are usually perceived as not as deep as with gifts that the giver himself had to invent.

It sure makes anyone glad to receive a gift. But a gift whose value lingers way beyond the initial excitement upon receiving it is much better. Whether it is simply bought from a store or the handiwork of the giver, something that has practical use for the recipient or something that the recipient needs is always a better gift.

It does not matter much either if the gift is "recycled" or something the giver himself had been given. What's important is that time and thought are dedicated in figuring out if the intended recipient will be glad to get it and have good use for it. Then the giving is meaningful, just the same.

In other words, it's about the intention. The giving shall be a gesture of both delighting and filling a need in the recipient. It shall not be simply giving away - to fulfill an obligation or to get rid of unwanted stuff.

But there are certain things to consider when giving "recycled" gifts. The giver shall see to it that the thing given is of good condition and, again, that the recipient will have good use for it. If possible, the gift shall be re-wrapped, so at least it bears the giver's own mark.

The fear that the recipient of a "recycled" gift will take it as an insult has no basis at all - if the giving is truly thoughtful and the gift passed on has the personal mark of the giver. The saying "It's the thought that counts" only goes halfway. The giver must see to it that the "thought" behind the giving is properly communicated to the intended recipient.

Communicating the intention of the gift is an attempt to warm the recipient's feelings. It shall not be saying "I'm thoughtful of you," as much as "You fill my thoughts." Gift giving is as much about the recipient as about the giver, in that order.