The Present Protocols

The tradition of giving gifts has a long history, predating modern humans. Is it the thought that counts? Is it really better to give than to receive?

We give gifts in many forms, at all times of year, for all kinds of reasons. Gifts commemorate life moments, express gratitude and sometimes heal or secure relationships.

From dowries to donations, gifts send a message to the recipient. They are an expression of value.

Unwrap with us here bizarre bequeathals, the most pleasant of presents and the curious customs and conventions of gift giving.

Honourable Mention

@oprah

@statueoflibertyny

Sources:

“12 of the Most Extravagant Gifts Given.” Invaluable.com, December 22, 2020.

https://www.invaluable.com/blog/most-extravagant-gifts/

“The Psychology Behind Wrapping Paper. Do recipients like wrapped gifts more than unwrapped?” GrrlScientist. TheGuardian.com.

https://www.theguardian.com/science/punctuated-equilibrium/2010/dec/20/1

“What Gifting Rituals From Around the Globe Reveal About Human Nature.” Atlantic Marketing Team. The Atlantic.com.

https://www.theatlantic.com/sponsored/hennessy-2018/what-gifting-rituals-around-globe-reveal-about-human-nature/2044/

“20 Unique Gift-giving Traditions Around the World.” Trip Trivia.com, November 23, 2020.

https://www.triptrivia.com/unique-gift-giving-traditions-around-the-world/X7Plc1IhqgAGwYmK

“The Dos and Don’ts of Gift-giving Around the World.” Chris Ciolli. Afar.com, December 7, 2017.

https://www.afar.com/magazine/the-dos-and-donts-of-gift-giving-around-the-world

“Holiday Gift-giving Etiquette, Explained.” Lisa Milbrand. Real Simple.com, October 30, 2022.

https://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/entertaining/etiquette/holiday-gift-giving-etiquette-explained

“The Etiquette of gifting: Everything You Need to Know.” Emily Post.com. 

https://emilypost.com/advice/the-etiquette-of-gifting

“Gift Giving Etiquette: 15 Simple Rules to Make Your Gift Stand Out.” Daniel. All Gifts Considered.com, August 16, 2022.

https://allgiftsconsidered.com/gift-giving-etiquette-15-simple-rules-make-gift-stand/

“Emerging Issues in the Evolution of Animal Nuptial Gifts.” Sara M. Lewis, Karim Vahed, Joris M. Koene, Leif Engqvist, Luc F. Bussière, Jennifer C. Perry, Darryl Gwynne, and Gerlind U. C. Lehmann. The Royal Society, July 2014.

https://royalsociety.org/news/2014/nuptial-gift-giving-the-good-the-bad-and-the-gory/

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