It's The Thought That Counts

Throughout one's life there are various events in which gifts are typically given. Some of these events are rare. Baby showers, wedding gifts, and bridal showers can only be expected to occur a handful of times at most. Other occasions occur only once. Religious ceremonies such as barmitzvahs, communions, or confirmations do not have a chance of recurring. Finally there are the events that occur every year. The most typical would be the day of one's birth, but other cultures may also celebrate events such as a "name day."

Regardless of the specific occasion, most people know that the gifts can usually be separated into two main categories: good and bad. When it comes to the poor gifts, the expression "It's the thought that counts" is often uttered. But here's the rub. To which thought does that expression referring? Can it really be that the mere thought of grabbing something off the shelf is what counts? I think not.

It is time to reexamine that expression. In my opinion it is, in fact, the thought that counts. But the thought is what went into picking out the gift. How much does the gift show that the individual was actually thinking about you? The thought that goes into the gift is what counts. The thought (or more typically afterthought) of realizing that a gift has to be picked up for the party is completely different.

In fact, many times the person who is giving the gift will let you know that the gift is not worth much before it is opened. This is the person that hands the gift over while actually saying "It's the thought that counts." What this person should realize is that the gift counts for absolutely nothing. If zero thought went into picking out the gift, then the gift counts just as much (i.e. the gift doesn't count at all). Okay, perhaps that is a bit too harsh. Giving something should obviously count more than giving nothing. But a gift quickly grabbed without any regard for the recipient can't count for all that much.

So if you are one of these people that hands over gifts saying "It's the thought that counts," know which thought the expression intended. The thought of having to grab a gift is not thoughtful. Picking something that the recipient would like is what counts. The price does not have to be much. Sometimes it can be extremely cheap, yet appeal to one of the interests of the person receiving the gift. So put a little more thought into a gift next time, and never use the expression as an excuse again.