The best gifts are unexpected gifts. Not birthday, anniversary, or Christmas; and certainly not Valentine’s. The best gifts appear at odd, maybe even insignificant times, catching us completely by surprise, and delighting us by their spontaneity.

It is completely disarming to receive an unexpected gift because we can see that someone has taken the time out of their day, for absolutely no reason, to celebrate us and make us feel special. These surprise gifts also have a very genuine quality to them, none are given because of obligation or calendar significance, they are given to us for being us. That is very special.

The best gifts have an “I know you quality.” These gifts fit you. These gifts are about you. These gifts came into being because someone was thinking about you and for some divine reason they were moved to act on their thoughts and decided to open their hearts and let their generosity flow out towards you. Bam: Your gift.

The value of the gift itself is unimportant - the commercial or acquisitive value, that is. The value that is important in the gift is the energy, thought, and care taken by the gifter. It is an extension of their feelings towards you, and what you mean to them. Sometimes it is even just as simple as: “I was thinking about you,” or “This reminded me of you.” Regardless, you as the giftee, feel so special.

I’m also a big believer that it is better to give than to receive, making the best gifts a two-way street. The person that gives also receives enormous joy in giving…now that is the best gift!