Emily Anstett 11/15 Class Reflection

 I think it is interesting to consider how a gift is only a gift when the giver does not feel obligated to give something. I think this pressure to always reciprocate gifts is entrenched in the market economy of exchange.  We have been conditioned to think that if we are given something, in any capacity, we must reciprocate regardless of whether that was the intention of the giver.  This takes away from the experience of giving for both the recipient and the giver.  We can no longer appreciate the action and the gift itself because it creates a sense of obligation.  I think this is particularly true when people think of giving gifts of the same value.  I have noticed when people place a “limit” on a gift exchange it takes away from the giving experience.  It makes people stressed to find the “perfect gift” within the price range.  In reality giving should be about the action itself not the value of the gift or creating a feeling of obligation.  I have started to give handmade gifts.  For example, last year I taught myself to crochet and crocheted my mom a scarf for Christmas.  I really enjoyed making it and felt really proud of it.  It felt much less stressful than shopping for the “perfect gift” and felt much more fulfilling.  Additionally, I think my mom really appreciated it because I had put time into it.  I think reconsidering gift-giving would help alleviate a lot of stress while also breaking down the alienation that the stress of gift-giving brings people, especially at the holidays.  


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