DEBATES
Friday, February 14, 2020
What is the language of love? by Isabelle Schrab staff reporter Every year on Valentine’s Day, couples get together and go on dates where they exchange gifts. Some would hope to receive sentimental gifts while others wish to receive storebought gifts. Although store-bought gifts might be the easier choice, some people like to give and receive sentimental gifts that the other person will connect with emotionally. Sentimental gifts convey a stronger message to the person receiving the gift, making them better for Valentine’s Day. In addition, the receiver can tell how much consideration went into the gift based on the overall quality of the gift. For example, when someone receives a handwritten note, he or she usually appreciates that action more than something pre-written and mass-produced The main reason why sentimental gifts are better is that they usually hold a special meaning that only the couple understands. When giving
someone a gift, it usually feels better when the person can connect with the gift and relate to what they have received. While buying a gift that costs a hefty amount might come across as genuine, it takes more effort and love to present a gift that is truly heartfelt; by physically making a gift, it can show how much someone values the relationship. For example, a friend of mine created a map of the stars from the night her boyfriend first asked her out. This gift is personalized to their relationship and to his interests; whenever he looks at this gift, he will be reminded of the beginning of their relationship and all the reasons he fell for her. In contrast, monetary gifts do not show how much you love the person; they represent how much money you care to spend on a person or how much money you have. A heartfelt gift shows your significant other how much you love them in a more emotionally expressive way. Although some may prefer to receive an expensive gift on other spe-
cial occasions, Valentine’s Day has always centered around the thought behind the gift as opposed to how much it sets back your bank account. Traditional gifts for Valentine’s Day usually include cute notes and cards expressing love toward the other person. Gifters can make homemade gifts with pictures, words and memories that express how much they love someone, which is something that cannot be bought at the store. This way, no one else receives the same gift as you, which is why it is better than a monetary gift. Overall, heartfelt and sentimental gifts are better than store-bought gifts. They come with a greater level of sincerity and personalization that is rarely found in monetary gifts. Next time you find yourself stumped over what to get your significant other for Valentine’s Day, remember that you do not have to break the bank to show your significant other how much you appreciate them.
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Top 3 sentimental gifts 1. A jar of reasons why you love them 2. A personalized photo book 3. Homemade baked goods
“I don’t want a macaroni necklace.” -Jakob Sprague, 11 vs. “A cute bracelet and brownies!! Date me.” -Taylor Dullum, 11 information compiled by Sienna Wood and Isabelle Schrab
“Homemade gifts are kind of cheap and weird.” -Caleb Laberge, 11
vs.
“It’s something you can’t buy and it means more on a personal level.” -Margaret Anderson, 11 by Sienna Wood staff reporter Every time Feb. 14 rolls around, people are faced with the difficult decision of deciding what to give their loved ones on Valentine’s Day. Storebought gifts are much more valuable because they are more useful, while also having the additional level of ease through exchanges and returns. Homemade gifts cause people to feel obligated to keep them since they are seen as holding more sentimental value, even if they serve no purpose. For example, if you receive a tacky, badly-knitted hat from your significant other you may feel obligated to wear it even though it is not practical. This guilts people into keeping unnecessary possessions because the person receiving the gift most likely cares for the giver. These gifts pile up in storage
closets, as the recipient does not want to seem ungrateful whereas if someone is not using a purchased gift they can be returned, sold or even donated. This problem is less common with purchased gifts because the person buying the present wants their money to go to practical use. They will be reluctant to buy an expensive gift for purely entertainment purposes. Since money is being spent on the gift, more thought will go into how, and if, it will be useful for the receiver. It is also important that storebought gifts can be exchanged. This ensures that the person receiving the gift will get something that he or she will use and appreciate. If receivers do not like the gift, they will feel a wave of relief as they are handed the gift receipt and can be appreciative of the gesture. Finally, purchased gifts are not
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necessarily more expensive than sentimental gifts. Store-bought gifts can be bought on sale or even in thrift stores and second-hand stores. Sentimental gifts are often homemade and are often not worth the effort. In addition, they are not necessarily cheaper and easier as they require ample materials, time, effort and talent, which can be stressful as not everyone is blessed with creative talents. However, everyone can stop by a store and pick up a present. Purchased gifts can hold sentimental value because the gift giver will usually spend ample time considering what is the best present to purchase. This upcoming Valentine’s Day, make sure to buy your significant other a present that comes with a receipt.
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Top 3 store-bought gifts 1. Jewelry 2. Weighted blanket & matching PJs 3. Eternity rose
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