I’m always interested in the idea of gift-giving. I know that I personally choose presents that I love myself. (In fact, I recently got a small card from a friend that said “I bought one for myself” on the front.) Recently I received two presents that spoke to me about what we give and why — and why the best gifts recognize what’s unique about the recipient and/or about the giver’s relationship with the recipient.

The first gift came in a red sparkly gift bag, and to be honest, that would almost have been enough right there, just the gift bag, because I love sparkle — any kind of sparkle. It’s something the giver knows about me.

Of course, she did put something in the bag. There was a candle in the shape of cupcake. I think she knows I love candles, especially in winter, when I use them to ward off the dark. (I try, at least. 🙂  And there was an EOS hand lotion — given to me because I am always asking to use some of her hand lotion. (It is AWESOME, by the way. Lightweight and so pleasant to hold in my hand.)

The whole thing couldn’t have cost more than $10 or $15, yet it tickled me more than far more expensive gifts I’ve received.

The other gift is a scarf in ivory/beige (colors I love), and when I thanked the giver, she texted me: “I wanted to give you something that felt like the warm embrace that your friendship means to me.”

Wow. That’s a gift I will treasure for a long time to come.