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How does a valuable gift differ from an expensive one
April 19, 2023
3 minutes to read
Sometimes we confuse two concepts — a valuable and expensive gift. In fact, the value is not only material, equivalent to a certain monetary value. The value can be internal, one might say spiritual. Let's try to figure out this issue.
The fine line between valuable and expensive
The paradox is that an expensive gift is not always valuable, and a valuable one is not always expensive. In the USA, for example, it is customary to present gifts with checks so that everyone can return the gift to the store at will and receive money in return. Many Americans take advantage of this opportunity, especially if they see an attractive price on the receipt. The fact is that an expensive gift can easily be unnecessary. For example, someone was presented with an expensive painting by a famous contemporary artist. Or a luxurious amber composition that collectors dream of. Of course, there is a temptation to complement the interior with such things and catch the admiring glances of the guests, but this only works in one case — if the person himself admires these works of art, if they are interesting to him. Maybe he's been dreaming about this painting or amber thing for a long time… And then the gift goes from the category of expensive to the category of valuable. It's very simple! The value of a thing is determined by our attitude towards it...Can valuable gifts be cheap?
Of course, it's hard to understand how an antique tea set might not appeal to a birthday boy. And a simple basket made of willow vines, made with your own hands, will suddenly cause delight. The whole point is that it is enclosed in a gift. If a beloved granddaughter wove a basket for a whole month, there is no price for it. As well as a textile Christmas tree toy, lined with beads and sequins, or a hand—painted decorative plate, or a birch bark casket - the list can be continued indefinitely. Such souvenirs have an intangible value because they are made with love by our loved ones. So much effort, work, and desire to give joy have been invested in them that valuation is inappropriate in this case.Valuable and expensive — does this happen?
Why not? If a person has dreamed for half his life of a real Caucasian dagger made of Damascus steel, and even decorated with Zlatoust prints, then this expensive souvenir will become a valuable gift for him. And he will keep it in a prominent place in his office, blowing off specks of dust from it. Or someone dreamed of an icon with artistic casting, necessarily made of bronze and gold leaf. And now he finally gets such a gift. This day, of course, will be one of the happiest in his life! The reason is simple — if we are pleased with a present, we will not be able to part with it and the idea of taking it back to the store, having received money for it, will seem blasphemous.How to give only valuable gifts
Everything is very simple. It is necessary to take into account the interests and hobbies of the person you want to please. You should not give exclusive books with highly artistic design to those who do not even have a bookshelf in their apartment. Or why buy a retro-style malachite phone for a person who has high-tech or minimalism at home. There will be a great temptation to give or sell this thing. If we know a person's interests and tastes, it will be easier for us to please them. And I want to please when we are connected with him by warm friendship or love. Sincerity in a relationship and a desire to cheer up — this is what makes a gift priceless.Giving gifts is a special art that can be learned. And then each of our gifts can become truly significant. Even years later, it will evoke pleasant emotions and trembling feelings. Isn't that what we strive for when choosing a gift for our loved ones?
