Since time immemorial, the world has experienced the phenomenon of people giving and receiving gifts. So what’s a gift? Naturally, a gift is something that is voluntarily given to another person without expecting anything in return. Gifts may be  tangible, such as money, books, or clothing, or intangible such as time, support, or kindness.  Gifts may be given for various reasons, including and not limited to expression of  love, appreciation, gratitude, celebration, or even as a form of social bonding.

The Importance of  Giving and Receiving includes:
– Strengthening Relationships – Giving and receiving gifts help build and maintain relationships by showing care, appreciation, and acknowledgement.

– Expressing Emotions – A gift can communicate feelings that words may not fully express, such as love, gratitude, or sympathy.

– Creating Happiness – Both the giver and the receiver experience joy in the act of giving, fostering emotional well-being.

– Encouraging Generosity and Kindness – Giving gifts promotes selflessness and teaches the value of sharing and caring for others.

Marking Special Occasions – Gifts are a way of celebrating milestones like birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and holidays.

Boosting Morale – A thoughtful gift can inspire, motivate, or comfort someone, especially during challenging times.

– Building Social and Cultural Bonds – In many societies, gift-giving is a tradition that reinforces social ties and goodwill among individuals and communities.

Gift giving and receiving may be influenced by culture or psychology. These influences are highlighted below

Cultural Influences on Giving Gift
Across the world  varies, cultures view gift-giving in terms of their meaning, expectations, and etiquette. Theyinclude:

1. Western Cultures (e.g., U.S., Europe)- Gifts are commonly exchanged during holidays like Christmas, birthdays, and special occasions. Here, personalization and thoughtfulness are valued more than the monetary value of a gift. In business settings, gifts are often modest to avoid conflicts of interest.

2. Asian Cultures (e.g., China, Japan, India) .  Here, Ggft-giving is deeply rooted in tradition and respect. The way a gift is wrapped and presented is as important as the gift itself.. n China, for example gfiifts  should be given and received with both hands

3. Middle Eastern Cultures (e.g., UAE, Saudi Arabia). They view gift-giving is a sign of hospitality and friendship..  Expensive and luxurious gifts are common, especially in business and family settings.. likewise giving gifts to someone of the opposite gender should be done cautiously due to cultural norms.

4. African Cultures. They give Gifts  during community gatherings, weddings, and naming ceremonies. Practical gifts (such as livestock, food, or clothing) are highly valued

The Psychology Behind Gift-Giving

Gift-giving is more than just an exchange of items; it has a deep psychological impact on both the giver and the receiver. It:
a) brings The Joy of Giving (“Helper’s High”). Studies show that giving gifts releases dopamine and serotonin, the “feel-good” chemicals in the brain, leading to happiness and fulfilment.

b) Strengthening Emotional Bonds – Gifts serve as symbols of relationships and emotional connection, reinforcing bonds between people.

c) Expression of Identity and Values – The type of gift we give often reflects our personality, values, and how we perceive the recipient.

d) Reciprocity and Social Balance – Many cultures emphasize reciprocity, where receiving a gift creates an unspoken obligation to return the favour, maintaining social harmony.

e) Boosting Self-Esteem- Giving a meaningful gift can enhance the giver’s self-worth by making them feel generous, thoughtful, and appreciated.

One of the best gifts i have ever received in life is education. I consider education as  one of the most valuable gifts a person can receive or give. Unlike material gifts, education has lifelong benefits, empowering individuals with knowledge, skills, and opportunities that can transform their lives.

Why i Consider Education as a Gift
1. It Empowers Individuals – Education gives people the ability to think critically, make informed decisions, and improve their quality of life.

2. It’s a Gift that Keeps Giving – Unlike material possessions that can wear out, education provides knowledge and skills that can be passed on to others.

3. It Opens Doors to Opportunities – Education increases job prospects, financial independence, and social mobility.

4. It Cannot Be Taken Away – Once acquired, knowledge remains with a person for life, making education a lasting gift.

5. It Promotes Equality and Social Development – Educated societies experience lower poverty, better health, and stronger economies.

I encourage people to gift education in  the following ways:

1. Sponsoring a Child’s School Fees – Helping someone access formal education.

2. Donating Books or Learning Materials – Providing essential resources for learning.

3. Offering Mentorship and Training – Sharing knowledge and experience with others.

4. Creating Scholarships or Grants – Supporting students financially in their educational journey.

5. Teaching Others a Skill – Whether through formal teaching or informal coaching, sharing knowledge is a powerful way to give.

Why Parents View Education as a Gift
a) It Secures a Child’s Future – Education provides children with the tools to build a better life.

b) It’s an Investment, Not an Expense – Unlike material gifts, which may be temporary, education yields long-term benefits.

c) It Teaches Independence – A good education helps children think critically and make informed decisions.

d) It Provides Opportunities – Education opens doors to better careers, networks, and experiences.

e) It’s a Legacy – Knowledge is something parents can pass on, ensuring future generations benefit.

Why Children Should view Education as a Gift
a) It’s a Pathway to Success – Education helps them achieve their dreams and aspirations.

b) It Enhances Their Abilities – It sharpens their skills and talents, making them more competitive.

c) It’s a Privilege, Not a Right in Some Places – Many children worldwide lack access to quality education, making it even more valuable.

d) It Shapes Their Identity – Education influences how they see the world and their place in it.

Ad some children may take education for granted,  those who understand its value often view it as a gift of empowerment, growth, and opportunity.

The community must also view education as a gift as it  acts as a gateway to limitless possibilities, broadening one’s understanding of life, nature, and society. It transforms individuals by:

1. Expanding Worldview – Education exposes people to diverse ideas, cultures, and philosophies, helping them think beyond their immediate environment.

2. Enhancing Critical Thinking – It encourages questioning, analysis, and independent decision-making rather than accepting things at face value.

3. Creating Economic and Social Opportunities – An educated person has access to better career paths, financial stability, and improved living standards.

4. Encouraging Innovation and Problem-Solving – Many of the world’s advancements come from educated individuals who challenge the status quo.

5. Building a More Just Society – Education fosters values like empathy, tolerance, and justice, contributing to a fairer world.

When society views education as both a gift and a right, it prioritizes access for all, ensuring that no one is left behind in the journey of knowledge and growth.

A lot of work need to be done in ensuring education reaches everyone as a fundamental gift. Education inequality remains a major challenge globally, affecting the elderly, children from poor backgrounds, and those in war-torn regions.  Some of the Challenges Facing Education Access include

1. Poverty and Economic Barriers -Many children in low-income families have to work instead of attending school.Lack of resources (books, uniforms, school fees) prevents many from accessing quality education.

2. War and Conflict – In war-ravaged regions, schools are destroyed, and children are displaced, making education impossible. In some cases, children are recruited into armed conflicts instead of being in classrooms.

3. Illiteracy Among the Elderly – Many older adults never had access to education in their youth and now struggle with basic literacy. Lack of adult education programs in some regions prevents them from catching up.

4. Gender Inequality -In some cultures, girls face barriers to education due to early marriages, household responsibilities, or societal norms. Women’s literacy rates remain lower than men’s in many developing countries.

5. Lack of Infrastructure and Resources – Rural areas often lack enough schools, teachers, and learning materials.Some children must walk long distances to attend school.

6. Political and Systemic Failures- Corruption and poor governance sometimes divert education funds, limiting quality improvements.Some governments fail to prioritize education as a fundamental right.

Possible Solutions
1. Expanding Free Education Programs – Governments and NGOs should ensure free primary and secondary education for all.

2. Investing in Adult Education – Literacy programs for the elderly can help them read, write, and engage in society.

3. Providing Scholarships and Sponsorships – Financial aid can help children from poor families access education.

4. Rebuilding Schools in Conflict Zones – International organizations can support rebuilding schools and providing learning materials.

5. Encouraging Digital Learning – Technology (e-learning, online courses) can bridge the education gap in remote areas.

6. Advocating for Gender Equality in Education – Governments should enforce policies that ensure equal education access for boys and girls.

Education is a human right, not a privilege, and societies must work together to ensure no one is left behind.