What does your gift giving say about you? Birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, and other special occasions are opportunities in disguise. We have crafted these moments out of the desire to express how we truly feel. We commemorate bonds that we value. Through gift giving, we celebrate milestones we share with those around us. Such occasions call for mindfulness. Being mindful to get a gift that will not only impress your loved one, but that will also send the right message at the right time. You can turn even the most ordinary Tuesday into an engagement, or a rainy Thursday into a surprise romantic gesture.
It’s such gestures that forge our bonds. They help us convey our emotions through actions. Whether you’re on the receiving end or you’re about to give a gift to someone you cherish, consider what your gift is saying to those you love. Choose the right moment and the right person for the gift. Here are just a few of the most precious messages that your gifts can send.
Recognizing the future you have together
Sometimes, we feel too lucky when we come across a person that we feel is our soulmate. We feel so lucky in fact, that we might have a hard time believing it’s possible at all. In those situations, words often come up short. So how can you let your loved one know that you’re in it for the long haul? It always depends on the person and the relationship, but your commitment can be personified in that perfect gift.
The gift can be a symbolic one, in the form of that famous “drawer” you give to your special someone. You do this when you’d love to tell them that they are a valuable part of your life. It can be a copy of the key to your home. This can be done if the relationship has reached that stage. Alternatively, it can be a surprise getaway trip for two to your partner’s favorite mountain resort.
Gifts of closeness and utmost intimacy
As your bond develops and strengthens, you should continue expressing your emotions and your love through tokens of appreciation. Humorous gifts, as well as purposeful presents can show how much you care for your partner.
Sometimes, even through a set of her favorite flowers. This gift is a perfect way to remind her that she means more to you today than the first time you gave her a rose. At other times, a delicately engraved watch is a caring way of recognizing his needs and preferences. Being mindful and loving is the only thing that really matters here. You can vary your gifts and use your imagination. You can use this powerful gesture to surprise your partner on a regular basis.
Priceless gifts for priceless people
Sometimes the most precious gifts come unwrapped. Have you ever collected rocks and pebbles from the coast, only to spell out your loved one’s name and placed them in a simple wooden frame? Have you ever picked a fresh apple from the garden to greet your spouse next to her morning coffee? Or have you ever purchased those concert tickets he thought were sold out?
Whether the price tag is non-existent as in the case of the apple, or it’s insignificant as in the case of a concert ticket, your partner will understand the underlying message: that they are an invaluable part of your existence.
Showing that you listen
Some gifts are worth the wait. And some gift giving requires patience to prepare an elaborate present. When a woman casually mentions that she loves a necklace in the store window, her partner knows that this is an opportunity. That necklace may not be something you would have picked out, but giving her that same necklace several months later for her birthday means that you genuinely listen.
Hints such as those are hidden in everyday conversations. If your loved one is truly paying attention they will uses these bits of information to surprise you. Maybe its your favorite candy, an unexpected trip to the lake, or a pair of fluffy slippers, all of these gifts show you that you are not being taken for granted.
Spur of the moment gestures
You’re passing by a little local patisserie, and you instantly think of him. You then get a couple of chocolate croissants and some fresh coffee for your after-work chat, just because. Of course, the more affluent can go for a pair of minimalist gold earrings in the same spirit of “I saw them and I thought of you”, but the price tag, once again, pales in comparison to the meaning and the emotion behind the gift.
Being able to sustain and continue such simple, but precious relationship traditions goes well beyond telling your partner that you’re thinking of them in that particular moment. These little surprises also tell them that they will always and forever have a special place in your heart. And that no matter what is going on in your life, an impromptu thought of them will always brighten up your day, and vice versa.
It takes a mindful approach and genuine appreciation of people in our lives to master the art of gift-giving. To truly understand the complex language behind each of these gestures, use each opportunity to foster your bonds with those you love. Whether through big or small presents, always make sure they send the right message. When you find the perfect gift, even the most poetic of statements and expressions will be redundant – your actions will speak for you.
Article written by Sophia Smith
Sophia is a Beauty & Style blogger, Graphic designer and Style editor at highstylife.com