Gift giving is an act of generosity shares all offer the world. For me, giving is a unique token of appreciation. I am not really fond of materials anymore. For me, I think that people are not lack of goods, they lack really genuine kindness, attention in gift.It’s the thought that count. I recorded some experience about handmade gifts. I also took photos to record this as memory.
The gift of experienceIn our consumer driven society, we are led to believe that our wellbeing and happiness depends on obtaining more goods and materials possessions. However I found that I got satisfaction and happiness for giving meaningful presents. Then I got kind and positive comments back. Experiential purchase enhance social relationship. The most expensive presents ate personal time. You will never get back your time anymore. So I believe that I gave my value personal time for the most important people.Conscious consumerismI believe that meaningful presents had positive social, environmental effect. Do u find that you will receive so many plastics, repeat presents during Christmas season? It made me think what type of presents will be meaningful for people’s life. I found that shopping therapy is not part of my mindful experience. It made me feel and tired. Unfortunately, I need buy some basic consumer goods to keep basic social for ordinary staffs. I will never give them my handmade things because the presents are more precious.
HandmadeAnother thoughtful gift is something handmade. It takes more effort. However, creative play is proved enhance my welling-being and mental health. Sometimes, I can feel that flow and you immerse yourself in an activities and forgot the time. Accessing this flow state of consciousness relieves stress and anxiety.Creating the presents are the way to meditate my brain.I love making gifts because I enjoy the creative process and it means my presents is more memorable for the recipients.
PersonalizedPersonalization makes any gift truly intentional. Especially for card, I always remembered that people would forget what’s happen in their memory, they will never forget how you make them feel. The words and memories, all these are some parts of our meaningful life.Recently, I made one watercolor heath affirmation for J’s sister in hospital. I never knew her sister. Because I really love J as friends, I also love her family too. In the world, it will only one personalized watercolor painting which I made for her. It can worth nothing or worth millions.How nice and touching in the world, some people love you deeply and think of you. I think that it is very warm feeling in our heart.
Value basedAt the root of intention are our values. If another people never value handmade thins and only love materials. I will waste my time to handmade all things. Because for materials-oriented people, it will worthless.
TimeThere is nothing better than spending quality time with loved ones. Not all people worth your time and energy. If some people very focus on materials and goods, they will not value handmade presents. Because handmade presents are not materials value inside. But for me, I learnt some lessons recently. Slow down and appreciation are really two keys for me. I need build connection, love and trust and deep relationship with few people. Connection nurtured through quality time spend, it lower level of anxiety and stress and build real friendship.For example, I used to think that J will never care much about presents.One time, she told me that she still keep flower pot which I gave her Dad when her dad pass away. She also told me that she still kept one of children’s painting. Because her sister had stroke. As soon as I heard that her sister had stroke, I made one white flower pot with all different minds baby succulent with card. J told me that she visited her sister and gave them particularly. It made me feel quite special and feel that my friends care of my presents and she kept it and gave it to her family.
