The thought is what matters most...

Yes the value of the gift or present is valuable and its not about where it was bought, how much it is. It is about whom gave it and whoever gave you, accept it and appreciate it. The person will be glad that you appreciated the effort of what have been done, and will be happy its worth to give you something. In some instances though there is present or gift i don't appreciate and i told someone about it if she gave me something as a present or gift it should not be a flower especially if its valentines day, because i do not appreciate it. Its common that during this season everyone is giving and receiving flowers. I want it to be different in some way. If it is not valentines day flower is much appreciated and i value it much.

I have a friend who is calculative-minded on the gifts that she received. In the earlier stages of our friendship, her calculativeness didn't show yet. But as we get closer, she began to comment on the things that people gave her on her birthday. The first time, I gave her a funny animal toy, something that both of us like to joke about (this was ok), then second time, I gave her a yellow ceramic container with a picture of smiley giving out a big smile. I really think it was cute and just looking at smiley's big smile can brighten up anyone's day until a few months later, she told me to never give her a container anymore. Being a sporty friend, I didn't keep any hard feelings for her. Then the following year, I handcrafted a crystal bracelet for her. When I gave it to her, she rejected it. I said, "why?" and then said to her "just take it, it's up to you whether you want to keep it or not". Even though I felt insulted by her attitude, I still was able to 'forgive' her. Then, the following year, I gave her an expensive batik from Indonesia. This time she was quiet because the gift was expensive and it was bought from oversea.

Nice point-of-view you have there, hon. But I think some people became rich BECAUSE they are stingy. There are people like that in any society. But I still think that cheap is better than useless. Know what I mean? I am really thankful to those who are rich that would give me something I could really use like paper, at least they thought about what I really need compared to those who would give me something I could never use. Let me give you an example. Last year someone gave me lipstick despite knowing that I am allergic to almost ALL synthetic/commercialized products. In order not to waste it, I gave it to a friend that I had to search in facebook for a whole 5 minutes that I can use to do other things. It messed up my schedule. At least when a rich friend gave me a gift, it was a ball-point pen that costs P 12.00 in our school bookstore when I left mine and I really need it to take down notes and ink the remaining part of a certain illustration I made to be passed that day. He was asking what I would want for a Christmas present that I told him that a ball-point pen is good enough for me. I don't know why he laughed, I didn't ask because I was already panicking. But I was able to use the pen until it ran out of ink the next few days afterwards. I don't know what your situation is but at least the people that you knew were thoughtful enough to present you a gift compared to hurting you in Christmas. I can't tell you enough how it sucks to want to tear someone apart during Christmas time and what's worse? I had to bring the feeling in the New Year too. Happy MyLotting!

You are right squalming. A lot of time it is due to being too materialistic. Many people associate happiness with getting the things that they want. This is being foolish. Many prefer expensive things than sincerity of the hearts. What will become of this world?

Yes, there are people who just like receiving but not giving. I think this is selfish, very self-centered and ignorant of other people's feelings. This is sad indeed.