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ADVICE/LIFE LESSONS
The New Rules of Gifting
Why “No Boxed Gifts” is Becoming the Norm
“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” — Leonardo da Vinci
Lately, I’ve noticed something interesting on party invitations: “No boxed gifts” or “Gifts in blessings only.” It’s a clear shift from the way things used to be. Even at dinner parties, when I bring a small gift — flowers, wine, or even jewelry— the reaction is sometimes lukewarm, like I’ve broken some unspoken rule.
At the time of my wedding, we didn’t even have a registry. Back then, I thought it was tacky to tell people what to buy. Gifts were supposed to be thoughtful and personal, but that often left a lot of room for…interpretation.
Case in point: someone gifted us a crockpot. A thoughtful gesture, sure — but I’ve never used it. That crockpot has been sitting in my parents’ basement for years. I didn’t have the heart to return it, but I also didn’t have a need for it. It’s the perfect example of why registries and the “no boxed gifts” trend make so much sense today.