Why are birthday presents such an important part of our celebrations?

The custom of gift-giving is more than 5000 years old

The first known example of gift-giving in human history dates back to Ancient Rome, where lavish parties were held to give gifts. Some sources even suggest that gift-giving was a common practice in ancient Egypt more than 5000 years ago!

But why did birthday presents become such an important custom just as we celebrate our existence? Ancient peoples are said to have started this practice in order to drive away evil spirits, which were particularly attracted to people celebrating their birthday. In addition, birthday gifts were supposed to ensure the birthday celebrant''s well-being and security throughout the year, which is why, even today, we still present birthday celebrants with items such as clothes, food and money.

Gifting is more than just an old custom

Gift-giving is still an important tradition today, but it varies slightly from culture to culture. Who you are gifting is also important, so the way you gift also depends on your relationship with the person you are gifting. Especially if the person we are celebrating means a lot to us, we put a lot of time and effort into choosing a gift.

The gift-giving process itself reflects the relationship between the giftee and the giver, so birthday gifts say a lot not only about the giftee but also about the person who gave the gift. The gesture itself tells the recipient that we are thinking of them and that they mean a lot to us. They say it is nice to receive, but it is even nicer to give. And there is some truth in that, because joy and a smile on the face of the giver are the best things we can receive in return for a carefully chosen gift.

Why are birthday presents so important?

While we no longer give gifts to ward off evil spirits, birthdays are a great opportunity to be aware of our own transience. In addition, gift-giving is an important socialising aspect, as it teaches children to be grateful. Birthday presents can therefore be a great opportunity to teach children about the joy of receiving and giving, and can also be a great way to brighten up a child''s birthday. It doesn''t take much - just a little attention is enough to make the birthday boy or girl happy. It may be hard to imagine, but gift-giving is a tradition that has been passed down from generation to generation for thousands of years, which is why it is so important to introduce it to children at an early age.

Spice up the birthday party with a gift hunt

No matter which birthday the birthday boy or girl is celebrating, you can spice up the birthday party with a gift hunt. Instead of the traditional opening of presents, hide them and send the birthday boy or girl on a "hunt" for them. If the birthday party is in an apartment, hide the presents in cupboards, under the table or sofa, or in the washing machine; if the party is outdoors, hide them in different places where the birthday celebrant will be able to find them.

The custom of gift-giving is more than 5000 years old.

Announce the start of the game with a quick clap, a word of your choice or an instrument, if you have one handy, and invite the birthday boy or girl to start looking for the gifts. When he/she is near or far from a particular gift, you can help him/her with clues such as the words "warm", "cold", etc., or make up your own words. Games like this are very popular as they strengthen bonds and provide laughter and fun. The birthday boy or girl will be the centre of attention and the invitees will not be neglected but, on the contrary, will be involved in the game. Let the fun begin!

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