This coming season, everyone frantically goes about shopping for gifts. The beneficiaries would be the usual “suspects” of parents,brothers, sisters, nephews, nieces, friends and godchildren.  That’s life  the Philippines, where you get the true meaning of “extended” family.  Considering the number of  people in our gift list, what should we consider in purchasing our gifts?  Two things we should give them: 1.) Memories or 2.) Utility.

Deciding which one to give comes with how you know the person you intend to give to. Memory gifts are items that will given them an experience they will remember for years to come. A toy, a trip to Manila Ocean park are good examples of these. Ideally, these should build a person up and prepare him/her to fulfill her purpose in life. When I gave my son a robot arm kit for this birthday, it was an experience he could never forget.  It also builds on his desire to build and create things.

Utility gifts are items you give to fulfill a need such as a wheel chair, money to pay off debt , rice, clothes ,etc.  If the gift is for a poor relative, a friend who is in personal loss, or someone sick,  utility gifts are the best items to give.

It really boils down to what the intent of your giving is?  Is it about meeting obligations or really loving the person and wanting him/her experience God’s love in practical ways.  The guide would be the giving of His Son to save all of us.  Ask yourself, “What will be the impact of my gift in the person’s 10 years from now?” That should be the acid test of your giving.