When Gift Giving, How To Make the Thought Count

Dec 20

When it comes to gift giving, Is it really the thought that counts? Or is it the well thought out gift that counts? One that says you really know me. How about folks with pets? What do you get the person whose pets are a huge part of their family.

T’is the season! The pawlidays are upon us, the time when we wrestle with the timeless dilemma about whether "it's the thought that counts" and the desire to present a meticulously chosen gift? The eternal debate has sparked many a holiday shopping conundrum. Well, fear not, because the answer might just lie in the subtle brilliance of gift cards.

Now, before you dismiss the simplicity of a gift card as a lack of effort, let's consider its merits. The art of giving a gift card is akin to offering someone a miniature shopping spree—allowing them to choose something they truly desire. It's not about the absence of thought but rather a thoughtful approach that respects individual tastes and preferences.

So, fear not, because this just became the season to embrace the chaos, chuckle at the chia pets of indecision, and maybe—just maybe—let the almighty gift card save the day. Because nothing says "I care" like letting someone choose their own adventure in the vast jungle of holiday gift options.

This is particularly relevant when gifting to pet owners. Furry friends are as unique as their human counterparts, and finding the perfect gift for both can be a daunting task. Enter the gift card, the unsung hero of thoughtful gifting. Whether it's a cozy pet bed, a gourmet treat assortment, or a stylish leash and collar set, a gift card empowers the pet owner to select something tailor-made for their beloved companion.

In the end, it's not just the thought, but the well-thought-out consideration that truly counts. So, the next time you're grappling with the perfect gift, consider the versatile gift card—bridging the gap between heartfelt intention and personalized choice. After all, who wouldn't appreciate the freedom to pamper their pets with precisely what they need and desire?

True story—the best gift that I received when I was in my first year of teaching, came from my oldest brother. He knew me; he had observed me over the years, and he knew that I loved to read. Hence, he gave me a book by Dick Francis named "Dead Cert" and a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle of lobster and crab crates on a dock in a Massachusetts, harbor with a beautiful sky that made the scene reflect in the water, thus adding to its difficulty. Since it was Winter break, I read the book cover to cover devouring it over a couple of days often reading into the wee hours of morning. However, the jigsaw puzzle found its place beside my bed. It was the first thing I worked on when I got up in the morning and the last thing I did before going to bed. Sometimes, I woke up in the middle of the night and worked on it. I became obsessed with it until it was completed. Before I completed it, when I'd pass him in the hallway, I would mutter under my breath through gritted teeth so only he could hear, "I dislike you right now, you know that, right?" He only laughed.

Fast forward—One of the best gifts I've received as an adult, besides my two children, was a gift card. Again, during the Holidays, my kids got me a gift card. It allowed me to get the first season of "The Walking Dead." I had been circling the DVD aisle at Target, waiting for the price to go down, as it was the first season, and the show was in its fourth season. The other two seasons had gone on sale, but the first season remained at its original price. I needed it for my binge-watching ritual. The kids knew the routine: I would lay across the bed, drink tea, and munch on the Swiss Colony or Cracker Barrel meat and cheese gift box. When I got the gift card, I hopped in the car and went to Target, bought the DVD, and as far as I was concerned, it was free. I didn't spend my hard-earned money to pay for it. I stood on principle. I did not pay full price.