23rd January 2024
Give smaller presents or give gift activities
Hiring and borrowing things reduces the amount of stuff we need to keep in our homes, and often the less is more comfortable. That – as well as reducing the environmental footprint of what we consume – is a good reason for buying fewer and/ or smaller gifts. It’s not to be mean, but to be thoughtful. Gifts can also be gifts of time or activity – an invitation for coffee and cake, or a trip to the theatre, or membership of a local wildlife park.
Researchers suggest that people give gifts with a ‘smile-seeking motive’ which can mean buying something fun rather than practical or indeed the boring thing the person wants! Giving and receiving gifts is about strengthening relationships – expressions of love and belonging.
NB I’m sure the best way of receiving a smile from someone is by smiling at them yourself!d
The Green Tau 