There are many reasons why people buy or give gifts. We want to make someone happy, to show thoughtfulness, love and affection. Our gift would bring joy and uplift the spirit of someone we like. I don’t want to give just another vase, that will be hidden in a closet or returned to the store. I want to present something useful, that will be certainly a part of my friend’s life. Friends, colleagues, parents, bosses … all these people celebrate various events in their lives and invite us to share this joy with them.
I believe that I can give the perfect gift, but not always confident that my gift – perfect for that person.
Let’s pretend a good man asked me for his birthday party. Chocolates, flowers, Bestseller Books, jewelry, Music CD’s and Stuffed toys are some all time gift ideas. I can pick a gift based on understanding of what the person appreciates or needs.
But what if our tastes do not match?
If we are not so close, so I don’t know exactly what he wants?
If the answer to the question “What you’d like to receive?” is “I don’t know, I have everything”?
If you don’t have much time to meet with common friends and consider options for gifts?
If …
If …
So many of these “ifs” in our lives and not always our conjectures hit the target. Birthday boy will smile, say thanks and postpone our slowly and painfully selected gift.
You have a wife or husband … and anniversary “on tip of the nose”!
Oh… torture is likely useless. “Honey, I don’t know…” – familiar phrase?
Of course, there are exceptions to the rule that proves the rule. Your spouse can give you some list of desired gifts. This is ideal (if the list contain something that you really can give or even understand), but in nature it is extremely rare. And where’s surprise? In general, it is not 
quite what I want.