Why do people buy gifts for others? Gifts are something that is given voluntarily, without any compensation expected. During the holiday season, most people spend both time and money attempting to select the "perfect" gift. I, too, am one of those people, turning into Santa's elf around the 15th of every December. But I still haven't answered the original question ~ why do people do it, why do they buy gifts for their family, friends and loved ones?

I believe that giving a gift to someone is more about the thought than what is given. Personally, I take my time when I am traveling to consciously and intentionally think about the people in my life. When I see something that seems "just perfect", it's like finding a hidden treasure. It excites me to give this gift to a special friend, hoping that they understand how much they mean to me and that they were on my mind and it doesn't have to be big or expensive just personal. After all, who doesn't like to feel special? (Which, by the way, is something that great leaders do very well......)