Dec 23 2009

Leave the Price Tag on the Gifts: Yes or No?

Posted by Simon Zhen in Decisions, Holidays
1 Comment

For some people, exchanging gifts is a valued tradition and is an act of love. For others, it has become a chore and a dreaded financial burden.

For some people, the value of the gift never compares to the value of this loving gesture. For others, it is about getting that iPhone or that expensive video game system.

What We Normally Do
The conventional practice has been that the gift-giver removes any stickers and tags that may reveal the price of the item(s). This could be a method of ensuring that the gift isn’t judged on monetary value but on the thought that went into it.

But, as social norms undergo perpetual changes, we are alright with leaving price tags on gifts because we are now okay with the recipient returning or exchanging their gifts if they didn’t meet their expectations.

Yet, there are still those who believe that gifts should hold a sentimental value. These people cherish what materialists do not.

Some reasons I would remove the price tags were if:

I do not want to reveal my financial status. The price of a gift can give away how much I can afford and I may not want to expose my financial glory or demise.
I believe that the spirit of Christmas doesn’t carry a “$” sign. Maybe I feel that my initiative to even give out gifts is already a holiday miracle…
I already know it is on a person’s Christmas wish list. Take out the guessing work and asking them “what is on your wish list?”. They won’t refund what they wanted.

Some reasons I would keep the price tags on would be:

I purposely want to flaunt my wealth. “Look, I’m rich. I got you all 60” HDTVs just because I can afford it”.
I am not entirely sure the recipient wants it. I thought that person may like this present but I’d hand over the gift receipt along with it – in case they’d like to exchange or return it.
I simply don’t care. Why stress over this matter?

After all, isn’t it the smile that we want to see as they ravage the perfectly wrapped present when they open it?

(Photo credit: Randy Stewart)