A gift can be defined as an item that is given to someone without expecting any form of return or payment. The gift giving culture, however does involve a sense of reciprocity as the gift given in most cultures and tradition is free. In many cultures, the act of exchanging money, objects and goods, etc. may contribute towards togetherness, and thereby generate a sense of cohesion. The economists have validated the form as notion for the gift economy. Broadening the meaning, the term, can actually refer to anything that is given to make someone happy, satisfied or even less sad. Sometimes it is also valid in places where there is some favor expected like forgiveness, gratitude and kindness. Gifts are usually given on occasions like birthdays, anniversaries and even to commemorate special moments.

Prevalent for its gift giving custom, the months of November, December and January is filled with people sending gifts all over the world. These gifts like Christmas Flowers are sent with noblest of intentions. Sometimes the downside of this paraphernalia is that gifting the items can also sap the cheer from the givers. This is because of the costs involved. During Christmas, we always select gifts that show our love, care and affection even if we are miles apart. The process of gift giving can actually prove to be taxing for some, creating unwanted stress. However, it doesn't have to be that way. One can keep the spirit of holiday cheer with these simple tips:

Getting gifts for family and close friends

One is aware of the people who are in the receiving end of the gifts. Usually it is customary for most families. Sometimes there is exchange of gifts with one another, and in other families, gifts are given only to children. Sometimes gifts are given between households instead of particular individuals. With friends, the gift giving tradition is customary as well. There might always be exchange of the Christmas tree ornaments, favorite cookbooks and new CDs of the favorite artist. When choosing the gifts for the family and the friends, the heart should be your guide. It is not necessary to match gifts according to the price. If the gift selection is made according to the choice of the recipient, it is important the selection be based to keep things even. Pay careful attention to the preferences of the recipient, however, don't over spend the budget as nothing takes the cheer out of the holidays than the prospect of being in debt in the upcoming months.

Gifts of appreciation

During the Christmas holidays, it is customary to give something special to the close people. Sometimes the gifts can also be given as a sense of gratitude for their service. There are people who help us in small ways like the hairdressers and others. There are others perform important services like the nanny with whom we entrust our children or other employees who work for our business. In many of these situations, it is customary to provide cash a gift item. Instead of cash, one can also invest in gift cards or coupons, depending on the economics and the needs of the company. It is important to remember that postal workers do not accept cash, but can take small tokens of appreciation and gift cards. If you are the manager of the company, it is important that all gifts are kept impersonal and equivalent in value. This prevents hard feelings that arise from discrepancies.

Etiquettes doesn't demand the need of giving a gift to your boss, however, one can always give a small token of appreciation. It is important to make sure, that its nothing too extravagant that other colleagues interpret it as a bribe. If in the office, one has a close relationship with the coworkers, it is important to find out whether the tradition of exchanging gifts remains. If it does not, doing so will make the others uncomfortable.