Gift Exchange

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I think the term "gift exchange" has inherent problems. It makes me think of exchanging clothes: an attempt to gain something of equal value for something that is not quite right; and it makes me think of money exchange: handing over something of familiar value for a pile of monopoly money that may not even get you Free Parking.

Is it any wonder I think "gift exchange" sounds mercenary?

Of course there are the mercenary exchanges, the "everybody bring a wrapped picture frame and everyone will go home with a different frame" and the infamous white elephants. But when gift giving is done well, it is not merely an exchange.

Gift giving done well is one of those magic things that brings greater satisfaction than any component by itself. By no means is it merely an "exchange". Maybe it is better called a gift boost?

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