~Friends are forever~. Review on Choosing Gifts for a Friend

Friends and friendship I would say are the best thing that have happened to me till date! To me, even spending one day without meeting even anyone of my friends, is almost unimaginable…. The giggles, the fights, the whispers, the gossip, the mood swings, the hugs, the tears…. that I’ve shared with my friends are the very essence of my being so far.

-

And when it comes to giving gifts to friends, it becomes increasingly difficult. Because……

Firstly, you know they’ll like anything you’ll give them, but you wanna give them the best there is. That glow on their faces when they get a gift they love, is the ultimate pleasure to the heart!

And secondly, there are such few gifts in the world that’ll actually express the love and gratitude you have for your friends. So, you’ve to choose well…

-

Sounds difficult? It’s pretty easy actually. All you have to do is: whatever you give, give it with all your heart…. And not just because you have to I sincerely believe that the genuine-ness of a gift is reflected in the eyes of the giver. Even the smallest of gifts bring the biggest of pleasures to me…. when you can see they’ve been given from the heart!

So instead of boring you further with this ‘friend talk’ let me get on with the five gifts…. Supported with my own little experiences so far!

1. A handmade card:

My experience: I still remember I once had a crush on a guy… and had a birthday coming up. So my best friend made me a card where the guy was holding out a rose to me… and I was on cloud 9! The innocence and cuteness of the card appealed to me so much, it really made my day! I still treasure that card till date…. And will always do!

Why should you give it?: To show that you care, nothing works better than a handmade card. You can give one for any occasion……. And they touch the heart of the reciever in their own unique way. They have feeling within them, and even the worst of artists can make one! Readymade cards are, afterall, mere pieces of paper….

2. A book:

My experience: I once remember, I had befriended a dadaji. We shared a special friendship. With my birthday coming up, he gifted me a book that’s changed my life… ‘Totto Chan’. A book about a girl who was different, and who went to a school that changed her life, that understood her and her feelings… and which did not force her to change herself for it! It was at that time that I was also struggling with my school, having to mug up each and every word in the text. It gave me the confidence to think that it was the school, and not me, who was at fault. A gift that’s given me the confidence to stand up for myself in life…

Why should you give it? Because books change lives! And I sincerely do believe that…. For books are a man’s best friends… and will always remain. And what’s better than gifting a friend, another friend?

3. A personalised gift:

My experience: One of my friends had her birthday… and I was at a loss as to what I should give her. No time to make the card…. And no time to go buy any books. Suddenly my eyes fell on a photo of both of us laughing our heads off together.(brainwave) I quickly made a neat paper frame to put it in… and inscribed on it “Your presence in my life is the best thing that could have happened to it!” And her joy knew no bounds………

Why should you give it: Because such things come only straight from the heart…. and directly touch the other’s heart. Period.

4. A surprise party(!):

My experience: Unfortunately, I’ve never had a surprise party thrown for me! But I have given one. Once my friend’s b’day was approaching, and the exams were round the corner! She being a hard-working student, used to stay up till late in the night. So all of us friends gatecrashed at her house at precisely 12 mid-night. And the pleasure on her face, at having us there, told the whole story…

Why should you give them? Because everyone loves surprises! And there can be no better way to surprise them….

And finally………. the last but by no means the least:

5. Your Friendship:

My experience: I very proudly can say today that I’ve had some wonderful friends…. And just their presence in my life is a gift in itself. The moments we spend together make up some wonderful memories that I’ll forever cherish! Just simple acts of lending a shoulder when in need, boosting the confidence when she’s morally down, and lending an ear in times of frustration……. Are the best things that happen to people. Only, we don’t realise their worth sometime ‘coz we tend to take them for granted!

Why…?: For yourself. Any friendship enriches you, and leaves you with a broader perspective of life. Th more friends, the richer you are. And the memories are the mose treasurable….

Dedicated to: All my wonderful friends at MS… and outside! Guys, I may not say this over and over again(inexpressive as I am!), but you all hold a very important place in my heart and life… and it will always be that way!

Love,

Arundhati