So... When you get a gift, or give one, do you cherish the gifted item itself or the act of doing it more?

As for myself, I cherish the act itself. I don't care at all for the individual object at all. To me, if someone is willing to give another a gift it means that they care for that other person, which is exactly what I cherish and enjoy the most out of gift giving. When/if I get an item I don't like, or don't care, then don't expect me to keep it (or take care of it). To me, it's just an object. Nothing special. I will do with it as I would if I was the one whom paid for it... That being, if I don't like it. I'll get rid of it (via trash or other methods).

So what about you?

Reason for this post:

By discarding the gift you're disrespecting the act of gift giving as that person spent time and money to get that for you because they care enough to give you something.

I'm a giver, I much prefer to give something then receive anything as I like to make others happy and have this awkward issue with receiving any items or help from someone.

Your opinion, not mine. Like I said, the gift itself doesn't matter at all what it is or what happens to it. The act itself is what matters.

i just don't give a rip about receiving gifts. those surprise, outta the blue ones are the best to receive, but, i could scratch my bday and xmas off all lists and not think twice.

as well, my shrug-shoulders attitude about receiving gifts has, um, made me sorta get in trouble before when, um, well i really should've given a gift, um......

feels great to give sneak attack gifts. expected gifts? not so much.

Part of honoring the act of gift giving is honoring the gift itself.

Of course, some gifts fall into "it's the thought that counts" territory. Even so, I never repackage gifts or throw them away. There is the practical value of any gift, and then the symbol behind it. Someone cared and got you something.

There are exceptions of course. That awkward set of circumstances where you have to receive a gift from someone you don't like or vice versa.

I still keep that gift. For entirely different reasons than mentioned above.