ROMANCE & PSYCHOLOGY

Giving Gifts as Love Language: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

Shayma Popova
3 min readJun 3, 2024
An illustration of a couple giving gifts to each other

One day, your partner comes home with a cute box with a bow. They hand it to you with a genuine smile.

You say thanks and ask the reason for the sudden gift. Their answer? They just thought of you and wanted to make your day more special.

It sounds sweet, doesn’t it?

Whether it’s a holiday or just a random occasion, a gift is always the perfect thing to bring. There’s nothing more appropriate than a present wrapped in a bow.

With that, what makes giving gifts a special gesture? Is it the act itself? Does the gift’s content matter the most? Does the way you give it also count?

Gift-Giving as a Love Language

As simple a concept as this love language is, some people still need clarification.

Gift-giving isn’t about the gift itself or its price tag. If the present is both physical and meaningful, it’ll be enough to make someone happy.

Another thing: people who love giving and receiving gifts aren’t spoiled or spoiling their partners. If anything, they’re simply doting on them and aren’t afraid to splurge a little to make them happy.

The point is that gift-giving doesn’t indicate a person’s materialism. It’s all about the thought, sentimental value, and appreciation attached to it.

The Gift of Giving: Why Do We Love Gifts?

Don’t get me wrong; hearing words of affirmation is great! They provide reassurance and boost confidence. But the thing is, physical representations hold just as much weight.

For one, not only do they make a good keepsake, but they’re also a great reminder of someone’s love and appreciation.

Two, they’re a pleasant surprise. Even if the holidays roll around, we can’t predict or expect when we’ll get gifts. And when we receive them, our days just become extra bright.

Lastly, they make you feel seen. For instance, your partner got you something you wanted a few months ago. It shows they’re paying attention, even if it was just a passing detail.

Tips for Giving Gifts in Relationships

There’s an art to gift-giving. Thoughtfulness is the name of the game. Regardless of the occasion, here’s how you can ace this timeless gesture:

1. Step into your partner’s shoes.

Put your thinking cap on. What would your partner buy for themselves? Is this tip obvious? Maybe, but it almost always ends well.

2. Be generous but practical.

Go ahead and find the best gift you can get for a partner. But at the same time, you don’t need to pay a hefty price tag for that. Prices don’t always guarantee satisfaction.

3. Try giving experiences for a change.

Things like plane tickets or gift certificates may not seem like much initially. However, they connect givers and receivers, even if the experience isn’t shared. Such gifts can make people feel that they’re around them vicariously.

No matter what you decide to get for your partner, here’s one last thing to remember: giving gifts should start with your heart. There’s no point if you’re coming from a disingenuous place.

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Shayma Popova
Shayma Popova

Written by Shayma Popova

I write truths about dating and relationships as a Content Manager for https://odessawomen.com/

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