ALT-1 Money as a Gift
Gift giving seems like one of the ancient traditions of human culture and civilisation, and indeed, it's been a tradition in almost all cultures, regions, and castes around the world for centuries, even millennia. In ancient times, gifts were given by leaders and kings to other lands as peaceful offerings, or to their own lands for betterment and development. Currently, gift giving is widely popular on a much smaller scale. Gifts are bought for most special occasions, including housewarming parties, baby showers, birthdays, weddings, or even when invited to a colleague or acquaintance's house. A gift can be the repayment of a favour. It can be an expression of love, exuberance, wealth, or even something as simple as politeness.
Due to this extensive tradition of giving gifts, many people face decisions as to what exactly an appropriate gift for the occasion would be. Some people go large, buying expensive, lavish gifts, while others, more thrifty with their money, spend less but spend wisely, perhaps aiming for something with a little more substance, albeit a little less style.
This begs the question, when exactly are money gifts appropriate, or even ideal? Well, the answer can vary from culture to culture. Perhaps an established tradition is to give one's nephew or son money as a gift on his birthday. Money gifted to a child on his birthday is certainly ideal and it saves one the trouble of picking out a gift for the birthday boy or girl, and also saves them the worry of whether their gift will be appreciated or not. It is much safer to give the person money, so he can buy whatever he chooses, or collect for something he has been wanting to buy.
In theMuslim festival of Eid, it is a custom for adults to gift money to their younger close family members and their servants. In this case, money gifts are non-negotiable: it is required to gift cash. The amount, however, may vary from person to person.
It is also customary for a groom to present money to his new bride's family as dowry in many cultures. In some, such as Pakistani weddings, it iscustomary to donate money to the happy couple, if the giver is a close relative of either of the partners.
It is true, many people seem to prefer actual gifts, small or large, meaningful or extravagant, wanted or unwanted, over money. To some, being gifted money may seem as if the giver has not made an effort to buy them anything, perhaps they may be hurt by this. However, some, especially adolescents, prefer being given cash as a present on their birthday, because they are often saving up to buy something expensive.
In some occasions, money as a gift just will not fly. A gift of money at a baby or bridal shower may seem out of place and altogether unwanted by the person being celebrated. Monetary gifts will also not do at housewarmings, or when invited to another's house.
Giving money can often be a cheaper solution (ironically) than buying a decent gift. But in some occasions the cheapest solution just isn't the solution. Money as a gift is only allowed at a handful of celebrated events, and should not be the gift of choice for any earning adult. All in all, it is a better idea to give a small, meaningful, thoughtful gift than raw cash in hand.
