pain | Kevin Raub | iPod
A Gift-giving Primer
by
American Way StaffIt'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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