A teacher worked in a small remote village and taught children reading and writing. The children were very smart and worked hard to learn. She loved her job but received very little pay, except for what the villagers could share with her.

One day a small boy came up to her desk with a present. It was crudely wrapped in crumpled brown paper tied with string.

The teacher unwrapped the gift and found a beautiful seashell inside. She picked it up and looked it over closely. She had never seen a seashell like this before, and she knew the village was many miles from the nearest ocean. “Where did you find this?” she asked.

“Near the great sea on the other side of the mountains,” the boy said.

“But that’s such a long way to go,” the teacher said.

The boy smiled and said, “The long walk is part of the gift.”

A gift is more than a trinket. It’s a symbol of everything that went into it. Gift-giving is a wonderful way to express love, appreciation and thoughtfulness. It’s an opportunity to show someone that you care about them and have taken the time to choose something special just for them.

It’s so important to understand the recipient: their hobbies, favorite activities or things they are passionate about. A gift that aligns with their interests shows that you pay attention to what matters to them. 

Personalized gifts, such as engraved items or custom-made pieces, can add a special touch that makes the gift memorable. Sometimes, experiences like a concert ticket, a cooking class or a weekend getaway can be more meaningful than a physical item.

Presentation also matters. Taking the time to wrap a gift beautifully can enhance the recipient’s experience and show that you care about the details. A heartfelt note or card can add a personal touch that conveys your feelings in words, making the gift even more special. 

When it comes to creative gifts that can be given for any occasion, the key is to think outside the box and personalize the gift to make it memorable. These are some of my favorites. 

Personalized puzzle: Create a custom puzzle using a photo that holds significance for the recipient. It’s a fun and interactive gift that also serves as a keepsake. 

Customized cookbook: Compile a collection of recipes that you know the recipient loves or would enjoy trying. Include personal notes or stories related to each recipe. 

Experience jar: Fill a jar with notes, each containing a different experience or activity you can do together. This could include movie nights, hiking trips or trying out new restaurants.

Subscription box: Choose a subscription box that aligns with the recipient’s interests, such as gourmet snacks, books or self-care products. It’s a gift that keeps on giving!

DIY memory book: Create a scrapbook filled with photos, mementos and notes capturing shared memories. It’s a heartfelt way to reminisce about the good times. 

Virtual class or workshop: An online class or workshop that aligns with their hobbies or interests makes a great gift. Classes are available in every topic imaginable.

Personalized calendar: Design a calendar featuring photos and important dates that are meaningful to the recipient, like birthdays and anniversaries. This is an idea I use most often. 

Corporate gift-giving is a nuanced art that can significantly impact business relationships. It’s more than just a gesture; it’s a strategic tool that can enhance connections.

Is the purpose to express gratitude, build relationships or reinforce your brand? Gifts can show appreciation to clients, partners and employees for their support and contributions. Thoughtful gifts can help build and maintain strong business relationships. Gifts can serve as a reminder of your brand, especially if they are personalized or branded items. 

It’s important to know your audience. Consider the recipient’s preferences, culture and interests. A personalized gift shows thoughtfulness and effort. Opt for high-quality items that reflect well on your company. I also like to give gifts that arrive at unexpected times, like at Thanksgiving to show customers our gratitude for their business. 

I prefer to give gifts that will keep me in the person’s thoughts. It doesn’t have to have the company name plastered all over it to be memorable, but something unusual, delicious or useful will remind the recipient that you put some effort into choosing it.   

Mackay’s Moral: The best gifts are not about the price tag but the thought and effort behind the gesture that truly counts.