The Joy of Giving: Why You Should Surprise More Often
Most people give gifts only on special occasions — birthdays, Christmas, Valentine’s Day. And sometimes what used to be a joyful gesture turns into a mere obligation. This article explores how to rediscover the joy of giving and why you should do it more often.
Why are gifts so important? How do they strengthen our bonds with the people we love? We’ve gathered the key arguments and shared a few reflections.
Why We Give Gifts on Special Dates
On holidays like Christmas, birthdays, or Mother’s Day, it’s customary to surprise loved ones with gifts. This tradition goes back to ancient times — originally, people exchanged items like tools, food, or weapons to strengthen social ties. As societies evolved, gifts gained deeper symbolic meaning and were given to express respect, gratitude, and protection.After military victories, winners were honored with gold. On birthdays, people received talismans believed to ward off evil spirits.
What People Gave in Ancient Times
- Honey drinks and sweet bread were given at weddings and major celebrations, symbolizing good health and prosperity.
- Gingerbread and pastries were common gifts for name days, baptisms, or religious holidays. They carried a special meaning because the giver put personal effort and warmth into making them.
- Stones and handmade amulets were given on birthdays to protect loved ones from harm.
- Grains, blankets, and flour were traditional gifts for the birth of a child — a sign of respect for the family and a wish for abundance.
Over time, new holidays appeared, but the tradition of giving stayed. A material gift still expresses care, love, and attention.
Gifts on Holidays: Pros and Cons
Some people love picking out gifts; others dread the pressure and prefer to bring a small token. Whether to give or not is a personal choice — here are the main pros and cons of traditional holiday gifting.
| For | Against |
|---|---|
| You can delight loved ones with something practical and useful that makes their life easier. | Stress about not meeting the recipient’s expectations. |
| Gift exchanges create a sense of anticipation and joy. | No guarantee of receiving a thoughtful gift in return. |
| Gifts help build a festive atmosphere. | They can require significant financial spending. |
| The gift-giving process itself can turn into a fun activity or game. | A negative reaction to a gift can spoil the mood. |
| Gifts create shared memories and emotional moments. | Social pressure to give something “just because it’s expected.” |
| Searching for a gift helps you better understand the person you care about. | The search process can be stressful and detract from the joy of the occasion. |
Seven Reasons to Give Gifts More Often
You don’t always need a reason to give. A small surprise can brighten someone’s day, lift their mood, or show that you care. Here are seven more arguments for making gifting a regular joy.
1. Fulfilling Someone’s Dream
Many people postpone their wishes — waiting for “someday.” A thoughtful gift can help them finally check that dream off their list and make you their personal hero.Want to find out what your loved one dreams about? Take a look at their wishlist.
Related article:How to Create the Perfect Wishlist: Tips and Best Platforms
2. Strengthening Relationships
A gift is one of the simplest and most genuine ways to express love and care. It doesn’t have to be expensive — a favorite tea, a candle, or a handwritten card can mean just as much. Even a small token chosen with attention can make two people feel closer.
3. Sharing in Someone Else’s Joy
When we look for a special present, we do it because we share in that person’s happiness. When they smile, we feel the same emotions — joy becomes contagious.
4. Creating Warm Memories
A gift often carries emotional value beyond its function. Every time the person uses or sees it, they’re reminded of who gave it and why. That’s why many people love gifts “with a story” or those presented in memorable ways. The meaning behind the gesture matters more than the price tag.
5. Reducing Stress
Gift-giving is an easy way to shift focus from daily worries. Searching for or wrapping a present brings anticipation and positive energy. After all, the pleasure of giving often outweighs the joy of receiving.
6. Building Meaningful Traditions
A handmade Valentine’s card or a favorite Saturday pastry — these little rituals make relationships stronger. Gifting can become a heartwarming tradition that connects people through shared moments and memories.
7. Boosting Creativity
Finding the perfect gift means thinking outside the box, researching ideas, and paying attention to what makes someone special. This process naturally trains creativity and empathy — a double win for both giver and receiver.
How to Make Gift-Giving an Event
If you want to truly surprise someone, think not only about what you give but also about how you give it.
The presentation can turn even the simplest gift into a memory that stands out.
Here are six creative ways to make the act of giving just as meaningful as the gift itself.
Secret Santa
This game works equally well for large friend groups and close families. Each participant draws a name and becomes a secret gift-giver. On the day of the exchange, everyone gathers together to open their presents and guess who their Santa was.
You can make it easier by preparing wishlists or agreeing on a price range in advance. The MySanta platform simplifies every stage — from randomizing names to letting players chat anonymously with their recipients. It even works for long-distance celebrations.
Treasure Hunt
A quest-style gift is ideal for anyone who enjoys puzzles and surprises — from a child to a friend or partner. You can create a series of clues that lead to the final present. It turns the process of receiving a gift into an adventure and brings joy to both the participant and the organizer.
When preparing such a quest, keep in mind:
- Write clear and achievable tasks.
- Choose safe and comfortable locations, especially if the activity takes place outdoors.
- Estimate how much time each stage will take so the game doesn’t become tiring.
- Prepare extra hints in case the clues turn out too difficult.
- Keep the suspense until the very end — it will make the experience more memorable.
Advent Calendar
If you want to prolong the festive feeling, create an Advent calendar for your loved one. You can buy one in stores — they come with chocolates, teas, or cosmetics — or make your own.
All you need are small gifts, envelopes or boxes, and numbers marking each day or special occasion. Opening a new surprise daily helps keep the excitement and anticipation alive throughout the season.
Unexpected Surprise
Sometimes the best gifts are the ones that come without warning. If you know your friend had a difficult day, bring them their favorite dessert or leave a short handwritten note.
Even a small act of kindness can lift someone’s spirits and remind them they are cared for. The true value of such a surprise lies not in its size but in the thoughtfulness behind it.
Gift Lottery
A gift lottery is a simple way to keep the element of surprise alive.
Label the presents with numbers, mix them up, and let everyone draw lots to find out what they get. It requires almost no preparation but guarantees fun and laughter.
Each participant gets a random gift, which makes the process unpredictable and entertaining.
Themed Party
If you want to make your gathering more dynamic, organize a themed exchange.
Choose a playful topic — for example, “funniest mug,” “best cozy item,” or “treats from around the world.”
Ask everyone to bring a gift that matches the theme, and enjoy the creativity it inspires.
Capture the reactions on video — those genuine moments of surprise and laughter are worth remembering long after the holiday ends.
Five Gifts for Any Occasion
On our blog, we’ve already shared extensive lists of great gift ideas — presents under $10, souvenirs for a boss, and even options for adventure seekers. Here are five universal ideas for quick inspiration and thoughtful gifting.
Sweet Treat Box
Whether it’s for a child, a coworker, or a friend, sweets never fail to delight. Choose a set that suits the recipient’s taste — chocolate, gummies, candies, or even healthy snacks. It’s a win-win choice for any celebration and a simple way to brighten someone’s day without waiting for an occasion.
Beautiful Tableware
This is a safe pick if you’re unsure what to buy — everyone can use nice dishes. Try to find something personal that reflects their character or hobbies. A mug with a favorite meme or an elegant dessert plate can lift the mood and remind them of your care.
Planner or Journal
If you’re after a practical gift, consider a planner. It works for students, coworkers, or even managers. There are dated and undated versions, ones with inspiring quotes or prompts — it’s easy to find one that fits your recipient’s personality and lifestyle.
Book
A timeless gift for almost any celebration — Christmas, birthdays, or Women’s Day. The key is choosing thoughtfully. Consider their favorite authors or preferred genres. When unsure, go with something classic or universally loved — a good story always makes a great gift.
Tote Bag
A tote is perfect for both men and women. It’s useful for shopping, commuting, or casual outings. Marketplaces offer designs from bold and artistic to minimalist — pick one that suits the person’s vibe, and it’s sure to be appreciated.
Conclusion
You don’t need a special occasion to make someone feel valued. A small, thoughtful gift — even a simple one — can strengthen bonds, lift moods, and remind people they matter. Giving is its own kind of celebration, and it’s worth doing more often.