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A Gift-giving Primer

by American Way Staff
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It's the holidays again. Yeah, we know. And, yes, we're all in that last-minute shopping frenzy due to holiday procrastination. While the Internet can definitely ease the pain of massive checkout lines - and eliminate the possibility of being run down by a bunch of crazed parents fighting over this year's must-have toy - it can't really help solve the age-old conundrum of what the heck to get for everyone on your list. Here's a one-stop source for reprogramming your gift-giving skills. - Kevin Raub



The Definition

What exactly is a gift, anyway? We actually looked it up, because no doubt its definition gets lost in translation amid the insanity of the holiday season.

A gift or present is the transfer of money, goods, etc., without the direct compensation that is involved in trade, although possibly involving a social expectation of reciprocity, or a return in the form of prestige or power. In many human societies, the act of mutually exchanging gifts contributes to social cohesion. - Wikipedia.org



The Problem

Have you been naughty or nice? Surprisingly, according to a recent poll by Harris Interactive, a lot of folks have been quite naughty when it comes to receiving presents. Had you known this craziness was going on, perhaps you would have spent more time deciding which color iPod you wanted for yourself rather than worrying about what Uncle Mike might like.

54% of respondents have acted surprised when they received a gift even though they already knew what they were getting.

48% returned a gift that wasn't just right for or useful to them.


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