The age old question of "should I get the chicken or the pumpkin?" Image via WikipediaWhen thinking about a gift economy you must also consider the impact it has on gift recipients. The feelings that someone gets when they receive a gift are also positive. Everyone feels happy when they receive a gift except for young children that might have expected something better or different. So not only does the one giving a gift feel good about giving but the receiver feels good not only to receive the gift but to also know that someone is thinking about them. This also (undeniably) result in that person wanting to reciprocate. This is why many 'gift economies' turn into a gift exchange which is like bartering without any money involved. Essentially you would 'out-give' the other person.
Personally I like giving gifts but am not as used to receiving them but there are individual differences especially with age. When you are younger gifts are exciting and usually mean toys. As you get older gifts can become more meaningful especially between long time friends or family. As we get to know each other we get to understand what other people enjoy and thus our art of giving improves and our art of receiving becomes ever more appreciative. As I continue to discuss this in my blog, I hope you can also check out Double Foot Productions page detailing a 'gift' for writers, artists and non-profit organisations. It is all still developing and thanks for any enquiries.
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