Free gifts… yay or nay?
Christmas is approaching and let’s not deny the true values of this feast…pressies!
Recalling the memories of my childhood, I realise that I was awaiting Christmas with big excitement and hopes for lovely presents. Even before the advent calendar was pinned to the wall, I was already counting down the days. Yet, I was not only looking forward to receive whatever spectacular item would be packaged in the wrapping, I was also eager to prepare some nice gifts for my family and friends. Yep, presents. I love them. They are a sign of friendship and affection.
These days, even brands want to be my friends. Their product packages become bigger, less expensive or they come in addition with another sample that is for free. Sometimes they even offer me an exclusive gift set in case I purchase an advertised product. As you can imagine, I like the idea of a gift that sweetens my day; however…there is this issue linked to it: To find a pleasent gift is a difficult undertaking. Always has and alwyas will be! What if I receive the anti-spot gel instead of the favoured lavender hand cream or the third squeezer instead of a triple coated premium steel pan (family don’t dare to get home appliances, this is only allowed for brands)?
In these cases, the fascination about gifts may fade away and then freebies even initiate pre-Christmassy resentment. This is also due to the fact that a ‘free gift’, as it is paradoxically called, is never really ‘free’. As a matter of fact, brands try to create a bond with its consumers, and hope to see us in store soon again.
Turns out, gift-giving has its drawbacks, especially if you don’t know your ‘friends’ as in the case of brands and their consumers. Free gifts… yay or nay? What do you think?
