Gift giving, the timeless tradition of many cultures worldwide, encompasses more than just the 

exchange of material items. It's a gesture loaded with meaning, reflecting sentiments of love, appreciation, and most importantly - thoughtfulness. Yet, beyond the joy it brings to the receiver, the act of giving holds profound significance for the giver as well.

From the giver’s perspective, the process of selecting a gift involves careful consideration and thoughtfulness towards the recipient. It prompts us to reflect on their preferences, interests, and needs, fostering empathy and strengthening our connections with others. 

This act of giving does not only elicit feelings of joy, fulfillment, and even a sense of altruism, it actually initiates related cognitive processes, thus coloring the act with bright colors of happiness. After all, not every choice we make is interpreted by our cognition as an experience of satisfaction, bringing happiness to someone else's life.

Through the other pair of eyes, those of the recipient, receiving a thoughtful gift can evoke a myriad of emotions, from surprise and delight to gratitude and appreciation. It serves as a tangible expression of love and affection, affirming the bond between giver and receiver. Moreover, a well-chosen gift can create for the recipient an experience of feeling valued, understood, and deeply cared for, enhancing their sense of belonging and connection.

While the act of giving to others is meaningful, the concept of self-gifting is surprisingly significant, yet often overlooked. Imagine the potential impact of dedicating all efforts of gift giving towards yourself, while also enjoying the recipient’s position! By dedicating time and thought to choosing a gift for ourselves, we engage in a process of self-care and self-love. It provides us with the opportunity to acknowledge our own needs, desires, and aspirations, affirming our self-worth and nurturing a positive relationship with ourselves.

Here are 4 side-gifts you can earn from self gifting: 

1. Self Appreciation: Gifting ourselves serves as a powerful reminder to appreciate and celebrate our accomplishments, big or small. It's an opportunity to acknowledge our efforts and milestones, fostering a sense of self validation and pride.

2. Self Expression: Choosing a gift for ourselves allows us to express our unique tastes, interests, and preferences without reservation. It's a chance to indulge in something that brings us joy and fulfillment, tailored to our individual desires.

3. Self Care: Self-gifting is an act of self-care, prioritizing our own well-being and happiness. Whether it's treating ourselves to a spa day, investing in a hobby, or simply enjoying a quiet moment of relaxation, it's a reminder to nurture our physical, mental, and emotional health.

4. Empowerment: By self-gifting, we reclaim agency over our own happiness and fulfillment. It's a declaration of self-empowerment, asserting our ability to create moments of joy and contentment independent of external validation.

All in all, self-gifting has the power to take our self love and appreciation to the next level, as a common ritual we can choose to embrace into our lives. Consider this as an invitation to prioritize happiness, and cultivate a deeper sense of fulfillment in our lives. So, the next time you're contemplating a gift, don't forget to include yourself on the list – after all, you deserve it.