My Seven Rules of Gift Giving Regardless of the Occasion

Give.

Is "the thought" the only thing that counts?
Hell nah.
I believe that "the thought" is a part of that equation but not enough to solve it. 

These are my opinions. But hopefully these can help you see things from a different perspective.

1. Gifts like tickets to a sporting event, concert, or etc. are not acceptable gifts, if it is also your plan to go with them, unless it's date night, Valentine's Day, Anniversary, or any other couple holiday. If you give those gifts out during any other time of the year like Christmas, birthday, Father's Day, Mother's Day- you should just give the person those tickets and let them decide what to do- who to take. Don't give a person a gift that's contingent on you participating too- thinking that you're automatically going to the event. I don't like individual day gifts that are dependent on me having to take the giver. Don't give them out for days/events used to salute that one person. This is tricky one, you must understand the person that you're dealing with- to get a feel for their mindset on this topic. For example, what if you're an avid Jay-Z fan, and your partner buys you tickets to Jay-Z show for your birthday. Your partner is not really into rap and knows Jay-Z but could really care less about a concert. But your best friend is a Jay-Z super fan, just like you. Who would you rather take? Who would this experience be more satisfying with?

2. Pay attention. Make sure you pay attention to people that matter to you. Keep an ear open at all times, because people will let you know what they like, what they want, and what they need on a very random basis. You might be watching TV and a commercial comes on or you might be walking through a store and she/he says I like this or you might be at a sporting event he/she says I like those shoes. You never know when an opportunity may come along to give you an idea of exactly what you should gift them. You have to pay attention! I feel like the best gifts to give are the ones that they don't remember or specifically ask for but they told you once before on the fly. It's dope because you paid attention to what they are saying to you, you remembered. So when they receive it, they are shocked like."Damn how'd you know or you remembered", that makes you seem like an extremely thoughtful person, and you are. I suggest you keep a notepad in your phone, that way you can quickly type and save the ideas as they come.

3. Try to stay away from things that are trendy, what the masses want because it's hot right now. It seems like a smart play, because it's what's popping right now. It's the "hot gift for Christmas this year". Be different, step outside of the simple gift giver box. That's something that they can get themselves if they really want it, or another person is going to give them, because they hit the Staples easy button. Focus on things that they genuinely like, more personal items, what are they really into, what do they really like. Stay away from the latest fad, the just because Rihanna or Beyonce are rocking it or because the brand new J's just came out. Be different, step your game up.

4. Don't overlook the value of small gifts. I like to call them stocking stuffers, reminiscent of the Christmas stocking during the holidays, they contain multiple small gifts and treats. You can, in a way, do the same for other holidays. These are the things that they like, that they might need or want o you think might be good for them but are under $20. Look for a good book, a good album, costume jewelry, a car wash certificate, something small but that can have a large personal, family, socio-cultural, material, spiritual and/or moral value. You can bundle them together and it just makes your gift more thoughtful and dope. You can give a stocking stuffer as a main gift or as a bonus gift, it's all about the way you package it.

5. Gift receipts are extremely important. They are vital, in case you get the wrong size, wrong color, it doesn't fit right or it doesn't look right on them. For some gifts - you need to give the gift receipt so that they can take it back and get the correct item, something comparable to what you got them, or whatever. So please hold on to your receipt word to Wayne and Robin Thicke. Use common sense to determine when you should also give the gift receipt. I usually stay away from boosters when buying gifts, because you can't return them. And I shouldn't have to mention- stay away from bootleggers period!

6. Giving gift cards or cash always seems to be a good and simple idea. But it can be simple in terms of thoughtfulness, depending on who you are dealing with. You need to really understand the person you are giving the cash or card too. Because some people don't appreciate money as a gift because they think it's thoughtless, like you took the easy way out. On the other hand, some people love money as a gift because they can get exactly what they want or exactly what they need at that moment. Even though most  will accept the gift regardless, go the extra mile if possible. You want your gift to be memorable, you want to give a gift that leaves a special impact. Brighten up many of their days. Try to be as thoughtful as you can, but know the recipients personality.

7. Be Genuine. Give because you want to. Give without expectation. Don't give gifts because you think or feel it's mandatory. Because they got you something and now you feel like you have to return the favor. Because everybody else is chipping in or giving them something. Fuck that! If you feel like you want to- give. Simple. If you feel like you don't want to, don't. True giving, comes from the heart, because you care, because you want to share joy. Don't get stuck in tradition or because you think you have to. I believe that positive karma and blessings come to you based on your true actions, not based on forced actions. Do you, be you.