A gift or present is the transfer of money, goods, etc., without the direct compensation that is involved in trade, although possibly involving a social expectation of reciprocity, or a return in the form of prestige or power. In many human societies, the act of mutually exchanging gifts contributes to social cohesion. Economists have elaborated the economics of gift-giving into the notion of a gift economy.
By extension the term gift can refer to anything that makes the other more happy or less sad, especially as a favor, including forgiveness, and kindness (even when the other is not kind).
The occasion may be:
*Expression of love or friendship
*Expression of gratitude for a gift received
*Expression of piety, in the form of charity
*Expression of solidarity, in the form of mutual aid
*To share wealth
*To offset misfortune
*Offering travel souvenirs
*Custom, on occasions (often celebrations) such as
A birthday (the person who has his or her birthday gives cake, etc. and/or receives gifts)
A potlatch, in societies where status is associated with gift-giving rather than acquisition.
Christmas (people give each other ...
