When I receive a gift, opening the box is but a preliminary action, and taking joy in its contents is but an opportunity for understanding and appreciating the gentle intangibility of emotions behind the tangibility of the object itself.

It’s a defining moment. It gives me an insight into the person who has done the gifting. It’s a window into their soul and I want to immerse myself in this experience, a result of the generosity of friends or family, strangers or visitors – the one who has bestowed me with this offering. The who, the why and the what or what for, these are questions in my reflecting mind.

I think about the time, energy and thought spent in the selection of this gift – matters relevant to my inquiry. What follows is the insight into the individual/s who chose a few moments of their life on earth to make me happy.

The perception of value goes beyond monetary analysis.

Here, I present my perspective.

If someone wished to give me a gift, my heart would veer perhaps towards a handpainted or sculpted artwork or an embroidered fabric, or perhaps a plant that could grace my backyard. Or perhaps an activity of delight – a cooking class or strawberry picking would entrance me far more than a watch, chocolates or a bottle of wine. Let me stress that this is a personal choice.

If the giver knows me and the kind of person I am, they will grant me the joy of receiving a gift they understand I would cherish, that is aligned to my value system and the way I live.

My responsibility as a gifter is not much different.

During the happy and recent event of my sister’s wedding, I spent emotion and mindspace in the search for thoughtful return gifts. What resulted was a selection of handpainted boxes made from recycled plastic and filled with homemade organic laddoos (sweets). These were accompanied with organic handmade ittar (fragrant essential oil) made with natural ingredients in handcrafted, personalized bottles that were born from beautifully repurposed discarded cans. The final touch was a handwritten note on paper made from elephant dung. I believe this curated hamper was simple in essence, yet encapsulated the idea that luxury can be represented best by sustainable and unique beauty.