Gifts: Blessing or Burden?

Opening Thought

A gift is supposed to bring joy…

But sometimes, the wrapping hides pressure, comparison, expectation, or obligation.

In a world where emotions are pure but intentions vary, a simple gift can unite hearts — or silently shake relationships.

This thought came to me unexpectedly.

A moment of reflection.

A quiet memory.

A sudden realisation that gifting, which seems so simple on the surface, carries hundreds of unseen layers underneath.

This blog is an attempt to unwrap those layers — gently, honestly, and without judgment.

🎁 Gifts: Blessing or Burden?

When Intentions Speak Louder Than Their Price Tag

A gift is meant to convey love, warmth, gratitude.

Yet often, it becomes a test, a comparison, or an unspoken pressure.

A servant once offered his employer a gift far beyond his capacity.

What appeared generous was actually a burden he carried silently.

But misunderstanding turned a heartfelt gesture into discomfort — and cost him his job.

This is where gifting becomes complicated:

when intention is not understood, and emotions are not expressed.

The Uncomfortable Reality of Gifting

Not every expensive gift is generous.

Not every simple gift is small.

Some give more intentionally, to display superiority.

Some present gifts loudly to showcase wealth.

Some compare the value, weight, and glamour of every gift exchanged.

Families often judge:

Who brought the costliest gift?

Who gave “just something”?

Which relatives are “big-hearted”?

Which ones are labeled “miserly”?

Comparison begins.

Relationships weaken.

The purity of gifting dissolves.

When Gifts Become Demands

Gifting stops being a gesture when it turns into expectation —

and becomes a curse when it turns into demand.

Real-life stories say it all:

A groom demanded a car; the bride’s father sold his land to fulfil it.

Another groom demanded an expensive car but later said,

“Give me the cash. I’ll manage with my old car.”

These are not gifts.

These are transactions wearing emotional masks.

A Teacher’s Lens on Gifting

Teaching gives a unique window into human nature — especially children’s innocence and adults’ expectations.

Children and Their Gifts

Children often receive gifts they cannot use.

They keep them quietly and later pass them to someone outside their circle — to avoid comparison among friends or relatives.

Sometimes gifts meant “for children” are actually household items wrapped nicely.

🎁 Return Gifts — A Silent Competition

Often return gifts cost more than the original gift brought by the child.

A small celebration turns into social pressure.

Early Teaching Days

When I received extraordinary pens or fancy items,

I would realise the child had scored lower in my subject.

Some even asked me,

“Sir, how was my gift?”

Their question held expectation, not affection.

That discomfort still echoes.

I have already shared in “Resignation – Part 1”

how a single gift once became the reason behind my resignation.

School Policies

Many reputed schools clearly follow:

No expensive gifts for teachers.

A small pen or chocolate is enough.

And truly, that is enough.

My Personal Preference

Handmade cards — drawn with sincerity, written with love — are priceless.

A simple “thank you” melts me.

No ideal teacher wants expensive gifts, obligations, or expectations.

Yes, teachers accept management incentives on Teacher’s Day or Annual Day —

because those are acknowledgments of work, not emotional traps.

Teachers live in simplicity.

Their honesty shines through their behavior, their speech, their eyes.

When Gifts Wear Different Masks

Gifts come disguised as:

• Awards

• Prizes

• Certificates

• Medals

• Cash envelopes

• Favours

• Obligations

Sometimes gifting becomes a business:

Money is collected at events or games and gifted to a chosen person in the name of “luck.”

Some gifts are for tax benefits.

Some are repacked purchases.

Some are pressures.

Some are pride.

Some are pure love.

Every human feels good receiving something —

but what matters is the intention, not the item.

Closing Statement

Gifts can connect, or they can complicate.

They can express love, or they can hide expectations.

At the end of the day,

a gift carries a message — not through its price, but through its purity.

If this blog inspires even one person to gift with honesty and receive with dignity,

my purpose is fulfilled.

From the Desk of the Author

This blog wasn’t planned.

It was born from lived experiences, classroom stories, heartfelt encounters, and the beautiful complexity of human nature.

I offer this reflection with sincerity.

If any line unintentionally touches a sensitive corner,

please excuse me.

May we all learn to gift without pressure…

give without expectation…

and value emotions over objects.

Disclaimer

This blog does not target any individual, family, or community.

Incidents mentioned are general observations inspired by real-life patterns.

Any resemblance to actual events is purely coincidental.

The purpose is awareness and reflection — not judgment.

— Rakesh Kushwaha

Educator | Writer | Lifelong Learner