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Last Updated on December 11, 2024
image credits: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/horse-wall-decor-custom-portrait-4006848/
Whether it’s a special occasion, the holiday season, or just another usual day, it’s always a good idea to give a gift to someone. The most cherished gifts are the ones that come from the heart and reflect the giver’s knowledge of the receiver, so think carefully about what they like or what they’re missing (and wanting) in their life. By way of illustration, if you have a friend who knows the value of art and appreciates its sheer imagery and evocation, look no further than paintings, sculptures, or drawings. Gift-giving makes both of you feel good, not to mention that it reinforces your bond.
Receiving a present sets off critical chemical responses – dopamine, oxytocin, and serotonin – that can emulate feelings of love, happiness, and reward in the recipient’s brain. Despite interconnectedness, the modern world can be remarkably lonely, and gifts can reinforce meaningful relationships, reminding us that we’re not alone. That being said, gift-giving is a social ritual that tends to be governed by rules, so we’ve come up with some suggestions to help you out.
Emphasize Thoughtfulness, Generosity, And Good Intentions Through the Gift Chosen
Gift-giving extends across cultures and ranks among the oldest human traditions together with storytelling, rituals, and complaining about the weather. If you want to choose a present that is unlikely to make the receiver unhappy, selecting an expensive one isn’t the best course of action as it will make them feel uncomfortable and may prefer more thoughtful gestures. The risk of choosing the wrong gift is higher when buying for price. Don’t settle for a basic present, and prove that you pay attention to your loved one’s interests and needs. Irrespective of how hard that person is to shop for, you’ll find something that shows just how much you appreciate them.
Often absorbed by the completed work or destroyed in the course of completion, drawing is the basis for all visual arts. The wide availability of drawing instruments (pen and ink, graphite pencils, inked brushes, charcoal, crayons, various types of paint, styluses, etc.) makes drawing one of the most common artistic undertakings. Drawings are the types of gifts that last a lifetime, perfect as a way to show someone how their kindness touched you. You can find drawings for sale online, so allow the Internet to be your resource for finding art – there are countless options, you just have to find an artist the recipient likes.
Consider The Style And Size Of Their Home When Browsing For A Piece Of Art
If you’re an island friend, you prefer one-on-one socializing and have no plans to change your entire personality. Though you attend parties, you always find yourself falling into deep conversations in corners, typically with the same people; you gravitate towards extended, intense engagements. Visiting friends is a common way to strengthen bonds, share experiences, and have fun. In this case, it’s safe to assume that you know how your friend’s house looks better than yours, so ensure your gift is a good match for the style of the home. For example, landscapes go well with rustic or antique furniture. A thoughtful option might be creative art pieces that match their decor, such as color by number paintings, which allow for a personal touch. These can be customized to complement their style and also provide a fun activity for relaxing evenings.
Having the right size is key, but figuring out a room’s scale can be tricky. Measurement must replace intuition, which is fallible. Inaccurate measurements can result in flaws that are impossible to rectify without expenses and effort. Do what you can with what you have. If the property accommodates oversized, chunky pieces of furniture, you must focus on extra-large drawings and the other way around. Taking into account the interior will help you narrow down your search and find an artwork that genuinely works in the recipient’s house. If you’re buying a piece of art without measurements, it’s recommended to go big; one that’s too small will float between the dots.
Who Is The Recipient’s Favorite Artist? Do They Like A Certain Style?
As a rule, we’re drawn to art that illustrates our personality and desires. The brain breaks down a work of art into its fundamental qualities and then decides whether those traits are pleasing or not. This value construction system is widespread throughout the brain. If the person you’re buying the gift for loves and appreciates beautiful things, chances are they already have a favorite style or artist. For example, they may like Kate McCrickard, a British painter living in Paris who draws attention to our quirks, sadness, and differences. Looking at art is seldom a waste of time. More precisely, there’s something in every piece that can take you aback.
The Gift Is A Thoughtful Gesture, So Don’t Expect Anything In Return
These days, choices have become more ample and accessible, which includes all aspects of the human experience, even what we buy for ourselves. Many people refuse to spend money on themselves because they have expenses like housing, utilities, groceries, and other essentials, often fearing overspending. At best, a poorly chosen present can irritate the recipient, and at worst, it can drive you apart. Pick a gift that can be enjoyed as soon as it’s opened because it will provide the most value. Above all, it’s tacky to give with the expectation of receiving something in return, which means the focus should be on the act itself rather than on the desired outcome.
The principle of reciprocity is an essential social norm that highlights, among other things, that people should return favors and other acts of kindness. We must respond to positive actions with corresponding positive actions. Gift-giving creates a debt balance, so if a person wishes to continue the relationship, the gesture must be repaid in a fairly equal way: giving too little shows you undervalue the connection while giving too much can cause embarrassment. Still, applying this concept in real-life scenarios is hard. The fact is, if you do things for others, while you may be rewarded, don’t count on it. Doing it because it feels right should be good enough for you.
Concluding Thoughts
Make the experience more flexible by enabling the recipient to choose their gift. Why not?
