Which Are Better, Handmade Gifts or Store Bought Gifts?

Even though I think some people really enjoy a handmade gift I’d have to say that store bought ones are better. Sadly, I often put too much pressure on myself when choosing a gift. It might be because I’m not really in the habit of giving them. I would rather take someone out for lunch or treat them to a movie or a trip to a museum. When buying gifts people have said, “it’s the thought that counts.” This is true in some respect so I shouldn’t be too worried about whether someone will like what I give them or not. However, I think we live in a world where we often accumulate stuff. Some members of my family are pack rats and really keep too many things instead of giving or throwing them away. So, especially for them, I want to give them something they can either use right away or that will not just become something added to their pile. Stores have so many options for useable/edible gifts to buy.

Secondly, when someone gives me something they have made I feel like there’s added pressure to show them that I appreciate all the time they put into making that item. Though there is time taken for choosing a gift in a shop it is usually nowhere near the time it takes to knit a sweater or bake a cake. If someone gives me something they have bought there is less of a connection with that person and the item itself. I don’t have to worry so much about making sure I wear the earrings they bought me when I see them next if they bought them from a store. That might seem a little cold but I guess I’m just not that much of a gift person. I’d rather go out with my friends or have a long chat and enjoy each other’s company. Those memories may last longer and take up much less space than a gift.

Laura

Vocabulary

accumulate (v) ? to collect a large number of things over a long period of time
pack rat (n) ? someone who collects things that they do not need
nowhere near (phr.) ? a great deal less