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Information on Gifts

A gift or a present is the transfer of something without the expectation of receiving something in return. Although gift-giving might involve an expectation of reciprocity, a gift is meant to be free. In many human societies, the act of mutually exchanging money, goods, etc. may contribute to social cohesion. Economists have elaborated the economics of gift-giving into the notion of a gift economy. By extension the term gift can refer to anything that makes the other happier or less sad, especially as a favor, including forgiveness and kindness.

Presentation
Traditional envelope containing money as a gift, from Japan

When material objects are given as gifts, in many cultures they are traditionally packaged in some manner. For example, in Western culture, gifts are often wrapped in wrapping paper and accompanied by a gift note which may note the occasion, the recipient's name, and the giver's name. In Chinese culture, red wrapping connotes luck.
[edit] Occasions
"Christmas present" redirects here. For the album by Andy Williams, see Christmas Present (album).

The occasion may be:

* Expression of love (Valentine's Day) or friendship.
* Expression of gratitude for a gift received.
* Expression of piety, in the form of charity.
* Expression of solidarity, in the form of mutual aid.
* To share wealth.
* To offset misfortune.
* Offering travel souvenirs.
* Custom, on occasions (often celebrations) such as
o A birthday (the person who has his or her birthday gives cake, etc. and/or receives gifts) This is most commonly from a family member or girlfriend/boyfriend.
o A potlatch, in societies where status is associated with gift-giving rather than acquisition.
o Christmas (People give each other gifts, often supposedly receiving them from Santa Claus.)
o Saint Nicholas (People give each other gifts, often supposedly receiving them from Saint Nicholas.)
o A wedding (the couple receives gifts and gives food and/or drinks at the wedding reception.)
o A wedding anniversary (each spouse receives gifts.)
o A funeral (visitors bring flowers, the relatives of the deceased give food and/or drinks after the ceremonial part.)
o A birth (the baby receives gifts, or the mother receives a gift from the father known as a push present.)
o Passing an examination (the student receives gifts.)
o Father's Day (the father receives gifts.)
o Mother's Day (the mother receives gifts.)
o Exchange of gifts between a guest and a host, often a traditional practice.
o Lagniappe.

[edit] Legal aspects of gifts
Main article: Gift (law)

At common law, for a gift to have legal effect, it was required that there be (1) intent by the donor to give a gift, and (2) delivery to the recipient of the item to be given as a gift. In some countries, certain types of gifts above a certain monetary amount are subject to taxation.

Gifts may also be from a wealthy person, hoping that someone will reflect their largess.

The Wikipedia article on this page is released under CC-BY-SA.
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GNU Free Documentation License
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The original article may be found at this location:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gift