Gift
A gift or present is the transfer of money, goods, etc., without the d
irect compensation that is involved in trade, although possibly involving a social expectation of reciprocity, or a return in the form of prestige or power. In many human societies, the act of mutually exchanging gifts contributes to social cohesion. Economists have elaborated the economics of gift-giving into the notion of a gift economy.
By extension the term gift can refer to anything that makes the other more happy or less sad, especially as a favour, including forgiveness and kindness (even when the other is not kind).
Presentation
When
material objects are given as gifts, in many cultures they are traditionally packaged in some manner. For example, in Western culture, gifts are often wrapped in wrapping paper and accompanied by a gift note which may note the occasion, the giftee's name, and the giver's name. In Chinese culture, red wrapping connotes luck.
A gift or present is the transfer of money, goods, etc., without the d
irect compensation that is involved in trade, although possibly involving a social expectation of reciprocity, or a return in the form of prestige or power. In many human societies, the act of mutually exchanging gifts contributes to social cohesion. Economists have elaborated the economics of gift-giving into the notion of a gift economy.By extension the term gift can refer to anything that makes the other more happy or less sad, especially as a favour, including forgiveness and kindness (even when the other is not kind).
Presentation
When
material objects are given as gifts, in many cultures they are traditionally packaged in some manner. For example, in Western culture, gifts are often wrapped in wrapping paper and accompanied by a gift note which may note the occasion, the giftee's name, and the giver's name. In Chinese culture, red wrapping connotes luck. Occasions
The occasion may be:
.Expression of love or friendship
.Expression of gratitude for a gift received
.Expression of piety, in the form of charity
.Expression of solidarity, in the form of mutual aid
.To share wealth
.To offset misfortune
.Offering travel souvenirs
.Custom, on occasions (often celebrations) such as
.A birthday (the person who has his or her birthday gives cake, etc. and/or receives gifts)
.A potlatch, in societies where status is associated with gift-givi
ng rather than acquisition..Christmas (people give each other gifts, often supposedly receiving them from Santa Claus)
.Saint Nicholas (people give each other gifts, often supposedly receiving them from Saint Nicholas)
.A wedding (the couple receives gifts and gives food and/or drinks at the wedding reception)
.A funeral (visitors bring flowers, the relatives of the deceased give food and/or drinks after the ceremonial part)
.A birth (the baby receives gifts)
.Passing an examination (the student receives gifts)
.Father's Day (the father receives gifts)
.Mother's Day (the mother receives gifts)
.Exchange of gifts between a guest and a host, often a traditionalpractice
.Giving a round of drinks in a bar.
.Lagniappe
Kinds of gifts
A gift ma
y be one of
.an ordinary object,
.an object created for the express purpose of gift exchange, such as the armbands and necklaces in the Trobriand Islands' Kula exchange,
.an alternative gift such as a donation to a charity in the name of the recipient.
.A regift of an unwanted gift previously received by the giver.
Figurative meaning
A gift can also be a special talent or ability that was not earned t
hrough the usual amount of long and difficult practice but instead comes easily to the recipient in a natural way. A person with such a gift is said to be "a natural" or "gifted" in that field of endeavor. A gift, in this sense, can be thought of as being given by God or by nature: a God-given or natural gift received by one at birth. For example, a fluent and entertaining speaker is said to have "the gift of gab".
Eight Tips for Gift Giving at Work
Making a List
The fi
rst task is to consider who should be included on your gift list. From clients and colleagues to support staff and bosses, you may want to consider an A and B list. The As are the people to whom you absolutely, positively must give a gift in fact, they pretty much expect it. These are your top clients, your administrative assistant and anyone who has played a big role in making you look good. Those on your B-list are runners-up for a token of your appreciation, should you be lucky enough to all your fortune on the A-list.
"No Gifts Please"Before sending gifts to people outside your company, make sure their firm allows employees to receive gifts. These days many companies have implemented very restrictive gift policies some set dollar value maximums, others outright prohibit gifts. To avoid an uncomfortable situation for you and the recipient, call the company's HR office to inquire if such a policy exists.
Practically PerfectChoosing the perfect gift for a business contac
t is sometimes harder than picking the perfect tie for dad. "Whether you choose the latest gadget or a classic desk accessory, it's important to choose a gift with the recipient in mind," notes Terry Keating, vice president of development for e-corporategifts.com, a comprehensive Web site that offers a large selection of name-brand business and corporate gifts in a variety of price ranges. "Classic office items like portfolios, clocks and picture frames are always a safe bet. Fine small leather goods will also make a positive impression." Always ask yourself "Would I use or appreciate the gift?" before making your final selection.
Because of varying religious and personal beliefs, Keating suggests that gifts should be somewhat holiday-generic. Many of his firm's customers steer clear of items that have any type of religious or holiday theme.
Get PersonalOne of the newest trends in corporate gift-giving is personalizing items with the recipient's name or initials. Keating mentioned that one company recently placed a huge order for leather portfolios, each personalized with the client's first and last names. "This year everybody seems to want to personalize items with initials and names instead of company logos. Laser-engraved wood picture frames and clocks with a person's name make really beautiful and memorable gifts."
Food f
or ThoughtKeating also notes that "you can never go wrong with food items for individual or group gifts. Dessert items are always really big." Erase the visions of carb-counting office staff throwing away gifts of cookies and cakes. Keating says that while his company offers low-cal and low-carb dessert options, few actually order them. "Concerns about fat and carbs go right out the door during the holidays. People love giving and receiving tasty treats like Mrs. Field's cookies and Ghirardelli chocolates."
Quality CountsCloseouts and clearance sales can be tempting, but beware of dead batteries, cheap construction and spoiled goods. If you want to make a lasting impression, make sure it's a positive one. Whatever you give, invest in high-quality, brand name items and be sure to buy from reputable firms that offer product guarantees.
Shop Early"Companies and individuals are starting earlier this year. Many want their items to be delivered prior to Thanksgiving. That increases the chance that their gift will be remembered, rather than lost in the sea of cards and items received in December," notes Keating.
Be NoteworthyThe best way to make an impression is to send a personal note or message with the gift. "Seasons Greetings from Acme" is way too generic. So are business cards tucked inside a gift. Keating's company allows purchasers to include a personalized message with every gift. "Tailoring a message of thanks that's personal and heartfelt goes a long way in building long-term relationships." Handwritten notes on stationery or holiday cards signed by you and/or your team are also meaningful.
How to Make a Gift Basket?
All the gift-wrapping in the world can't help a present that is
sub-par. The art of assembling many small gifts for a gift basket takes planning and finesse. Gift bags are a perfect way to present someone with a collection of smaller, carefully chosen presents. While there are many gift bags available at even the grocery store, a handmade bag will really personalize your gift. Gift boxes might not be a traditional craft, but, once you see these festive creations, they'll become part of your annual traditions. Most importantly, these handmade gift boxes are easy and fun to make.
Gift tags are the perfect remedy for the impersonal, mass-produced, cards available in the stores. While they don't take very long to make, a homemade gift tag can make a lasting impression. While gift bags and gift boxes are growing in popularity, most people still prefer the traditio
nal wrapping paper. As with any other handmade craft, homemade wrapping paper has a personal and thoughtful touch that you can't buy in a store.
Place homemade mustards or other special treats in this fun-to-make felt bag. Here are the materials you will need:
· 1 yard blue felt
· Ruler
· Scissors
· White embroidery floss
· Embroidery needle
· 24 inches white satin ribbon, 3/8 inch wide
· Stiffened adhesive-backed white felt
· Extra jumbo snowflake craft punch
To construct a Gift Bag:
1. From blue felt, measure and cut a 41/2-inch square base a
nd four 41/2x12-inch side panels.
2. Matching square base to 41/2-inch edge of a side panel and starting 1/2 inch in from edges, blanket-stitch pieces together with white embroidery floss. Continue adding side panels until all are attached to base.
Starting at base, blanket-stitch sides together, matching seam allowances of side panels to each other. Finish stitching 11/2 inches from top.
Fold top of side panels down 11/2 inches. With scissors and repeating for each side, snip four 3/4-inch slits along fold, centered on side and about 1 inch apart.
Along top edge of bag, cut fringe. Thread white ribbon through slits around bag.
Punch a snowflake from adhesive-backed white felt using jumbo craft punch. Position and stick snowflake in place on front of bag.
Snowflake Wrapping Paper
The delicate pattern of snowflakes will generate a blizzard of compliments! Once you've cut out the snowflakes, you can make many different versions -- think of all the possibilities. Here is what you'll need to get started:
· 12 to 15 squares of paper, about 41/2 square inches each
· Scissors
· Iron
· White wrapping paper
· Plastic snowflakes (optional)
· Blue spray paint
To contruct Snowflake Wrapping Paper:
1. Start with a square of paper. Fold the bottom
edge of your square up to the top edge to make a rectangle. Fold this rectangle in half so you have a square. Fold this square from corner to corner to create a triangle.
With the single fold at the bottom, fold down side with several creases to touch bottom edge. Cut off the paper that hangs off the end.
Now you're ready to cut designs in the paper. Some designs can be cut on the side with the single fold, but don't cut it away completely or snowflake will fall apart. Experiment with cutting out diamonds, circles, and odd shapes from the multicreased side. Unfold paper. Cut 12 to 15 snowflakes. Iron them so they lie flat. Iron sheets of white paper.
4.In a well-ventilated area, arrange snowflakes on white paper so they overlap slightly. If you have plastic snowflakes, use them to weigh down paper ones.
5.Shake can of paint well before spraying lightly over paper, using gentle back and forth motion. Hold can high off paper, and spray from directly above to avoid moving snowflakes. Allow to dry for a few minutes so you don't smudge paint when you remove snowflakes. Snowflakes can be reused.
Gift Stickers
Get ‘stuc
k’ on our stickers! Our selection of stickers can be used for everyday and holiday gift stickers and labels. Most stickers are designed to compliment our other printed products, such as party invitations. Gift stickers add a sensational touch that will not go unnoticed. A present with presence is any gift that is wonderfully wrapped with exciting gift packaging and accessories. Having a personalized sticker on a beautifully wrapped gift is the perfect finishing touch! Stickers may also be used as return address labels or as seals. This makes an attractive statement to the back of any envelope.Our gift stickers and labels are made to accessorize and embellish any type of gift or stationery item. The possibilities are endless for all seasons, all celebrations, and all ages!
.Lagniappe
Kinds of gifts
A gift ma
y be one of.an ordinary object,
.an object created for the express purpose of gift exchange, such as the armbands and necklaces in the Trobriand Islands' Kula exchange,
.an alternative gift such as a donation to a charity in the name of the recipient.
.A regift of an unwanted gift previously received by the giver.
Figurative meaning
A gift can also be a special talent or ability that was not earned t
hrough the usual amount of long and difficult practice but instead comes easily to the recipient in a natural way. A person with such a gift is said to be "a natural" or "gifted" in that field of endeavor. A gift, in this sense, can be thought of as being given by God or by nature: a God-given or natural gift received by one at birth. For example, a fluent and entertaining speaker is said to have "the gift of gab".Eight Tips for Gift Giving at Work
Making a List
The fi
rst task is to consider who should be included on your gift list. From clients and colleagues to support staff and bosses, you may want to consider an A and B list. The As are the people to whom you absolutely, positively must give a gift in fact, they pretty much expect it. These are your top clients, your administrative assistant and anyone who has played a big role in making you look good. Those on your B-list are runners-up for a token of your appreciation, should you be lucky enough to all your fortune on the A-list."No Gifts Please"Before sending gifts to people outside your company, make sure their firm allows employees to receive gifts. These days many companies have implemented very restrictive gift policies some set dollar value maximums, others outright prohibit gifts. To avoid an uncomfortable situation for you and the recipient, call the company's HR office to inquire if such a policy exists.
Practically PerfectChoosing the perfect gift for a business contac
t is sometimes harder than picking the perfect tie for dad. "Whether you choose the latest gadget or a classic desk accessory, it's important to choose a gift with the recipient in mind," notes Terry Keating, vice president of development for e-corporategifts.com, a comprehensive Web site that offers a large selection of name-brand business and corporate gifts in a variety of price ranges. "Classic office items like portfolios, clocks and picture frames are always a safe bet. Fine small leather goods will also make a positive impression." Always ask yourself "Would I use or appreciate the gift?" before making your final selection.Because of varying religious and personal beliefs, Keating suggests that gifts should be somewhat holiday-generic. Many of his firm's customers steer clear of items that have any type of religious or holiday theme.
Get PersonalOne of the newest trends in corporate gift-giving is personalizing items with the recipient's name or initials. Keating mentioned that one company recently placed a huge order for leather portfolios, each personalized with the client's first and last names. "This year everybody seems to want to personalize items with initials and names instead of company logos. Laser-engraved wood picture frames and clocks with a person's name make really beautiful and memorable gifts."
Food f
or ThoughtKeating also notes that "you can never go wrong with food items for individual or group gifts. Dessert items are always really big." Erase the visions of carb-counting office staff throwing away gifts of cookies and cakes. Keating says that while his company offers low-cal and low-carb dessert options, few actually order them. "Concerns about fat and carbs go right out the door during the holidays. People love giving and receiving tasty treats like Mrs. Field's cookies and Ghirardelli chocolates."Quality CountsCloseouts and clearance sales can be tempting, but beware of dead batteries, cheap construction and spoiled goods. If you want to make a lasting impression, make sure it's a positive one. Whatever you give, invest in high-quality, brand name items and be sure to buy from reputable firms that offer product guarantees.
Shop Early"Companies and individuals are starting earlier this year. Many want their items to be delivered prior to Thanksgiving. That increases the chance that their gift will be remembered, rather than lost in the sea of cards and items received in December," notes Keating.
Be NoteworthyThe best way to make an impression is to send a personal note or message with the gift. "Seasons Greetings from Acme" is way too generic. So are business cards tucked inside a gift. Keating's company allows purchasers to include a personalized message with every gift. "Tailoring a message of thanks that's personal and heartfelt goes a long way in building long-term relationships." Handwritten notes on stationery or holiday cards signed by you and/or your team are also meaningful.
How to Make a Gift Basket?
All the gift-wrapping in the world can't help a present that is
sub-par. The art of assembling many small gifts for a gift basket takes planning and finesse. Gift bags are a perfect way to present someone with a collection of smaller, carefully chosen presents. While there are many gift bags available at even the grocery store, a handmade bag will really personalize your gift. Gift boxes might not be a traditional craft, but, once you see these festive creations, they'll become part of your annual traditions. Most importantly, these handmade gift boxes are easy and fun to make.Gift tags are the perfect remedy for the impersonal, mass-produced, cards available in the stores. While they don't take very long to make, a homemade gift tag can make a lasting impression. While gift bags and gift boxes are growing in popularity, most people still prefer the traditio
nal wrapping paper. As with any other handmade craft, homemade wrapping paper has a personal and thoughtful touch that you can't buy in a store.Place homemade mustards or other special treats in this fun-to-make felt bag. Here are the materials you will need:
· 1 yard blue felt
· Ruler
· Scissors
· White embroidery floss
· Embroidery needle
· 24 inches white satin ribbon, 3/8 inch wide
· Stiffened adhesive-backed white felt
· Extra jumbo snowflake craft punch
To construct a Gift Bag:
1. From blue felt, measure and cut a 41/2-inch square base a
nd four 41/2x12-inch side panels.2. Matching square base to 41/2-inch edge of a side panel and starting 1/2 inch in from edges, blanket-stitch pieces together with white embroidery floss. Continue adding side panels until all are attached to base.
Starting at base, blanket-stitch sides together, matching seam allowances of side panels to each other. Finish stitching 11/2 inches from top.
Fold top of side panels down 11/2 inches. With scissors and repeating for each side, snip four 3/4-inch slits along fold, centered on side and about 1 inch apart.
Along top edge of bag, cut fringe. Thread white ribbon through slits around bag.
Punch a snowflake from adhesive-backed white felt using jumbo craft punch. Position and stick snowflake in place on front of bag.
Snowflake Wrapping Paper
The delicate pattern of snowflakes will generate a blizzard of compliments! Once you've cut out the snowflakes, you can make many different versions -- think of all the possibilities. Here is what you'll need to get started:
· 12 to 15 squares of paper, about 41/2 square inches each
· Scissors
· Iron
· White wrapping paper
· Plastic snowflakes (optional)
· Blue spray paint
To contruct Snowflake Wrapping Paper:
1. Start with a square of paper. Fold the bottom
edge of your square up to the top edge to make a rectangle. Fold this rectangle in half so you have a square. Fold this square from corner to corner to create a triangle.With the single fold at the bottom, fold down side with several creases to touch bottom edge. Cut off the paper that hangs off the end.
Now you're ready to cut designs in the paper. Some designs can be cut on the side with the single fold, but don't cut it away completely or snowflake will fall apart. Experiment with cutting out diamonds, circles, and odd shapes from the multicreased side. Unfold paper. Cut 12 to 15 snowflakes. Iron them so they lie flat. Iron sheets of white paper.
4.In a well-ventilated area, arrange snowflakes on white paper so they overlap slightly. If you have plastic snowflakes, use them to weigh down paper ones.
5.Shake can of paint well before spraying lightly over paper, using gentle back and forth motion. Hold can high off paper, and spray from directly above to avoid moving snowflakes. Allow to dry for a few minutes so you don't smudge paint when you remove snowflakes. Snowflakes can be reused.
Gift Stickers
Get ‘stuc
k’ on our stickers! Our selection of stickers can be used for everyday and holiday gift stickers and labels. Most stickers are designed to compliment our other printed products, such as party invitations. Gift stickers add a sensational touch that will not go unnoticed. A present with presence is any gift that is wonderfully wrapped with exciting gift packaging and accessories. Having a personalized sticker on a beautifully wrapped gift is the perfect finishing touch! Stickers may also be used as return address labels or as seals. This makes an attractive statement to the back of any envelope.Our gift stickers and labels are made to accessorize and embellish any type of gift or stationery item. The possibilities are endless for all seasons, all celebrations, and all ages!
1 comment:
www.affordableaddresslabels.com offers some really nice "Just Married" return address labels and also some cute anniversary address labels. We used them for when we had a wedding, oh and also made a custom rubber stamp to stamp inside of the 300 or so thank you cards we mailed out.
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