One cup of cocoa
As an editor, I often think about the definition and appropriate usage of words. I think the word “gift” is due for an update. It should be more than “a thing given willingly without payment” as Oxford defines it. The word “thoughtful” should be in there somewhere.
This photo shows a present my mother received for Christmas. It’s a mug with “cocoa” written on it, a tin cylinder containing a small plastic packet (a single serving of cocoa) and a cardboard box containing another small plastic packet with a few measly marshmallows. I guess you could say someone gave her the gift of a cup of cocoa, or you could say someone gave her a whole lot of excessive packaging, packaging she would have to deal with, packaging that, aside from the box, is not recyclable and will have to take up landfill space for, likely, centuries. Now, my mom is sweet and gracious, so I’m sure she didn’t complain to the giver. But would she call this gift thoughtful? I don’t think so.
For those who feel compelled to give a gift, but who aren’t really sure what the recipient would like, how about plant-friendly options like baked goods, local wine, or a gift certificate for an area restaurant. But it might be time for gift cards to shine, too.
Gift cards may seem impersonal to some, but when the landfill goes hungry because the recipient can actually get something they want, well, that does seem thoughtful.
Have you ever had trouble making a thoughtful gift choice? Have you received something that you just didn’t know what to do with?
