- it doesn't matter: it's not important
a present: a gift; something you give free
to cost: to have as a price
the thought: the idea behind the gift
to count: to matter; to be important
to what extent: how much; how far
a saying: a proverb
Presents. Is it the thought that counts?
Moderator: TalkingPoint
- TalkingPoint
- Teacher/Moderator
- Posts: 251
- Joined: Tue Aug 05, 2003 2:21 pm
- Status: Teacher of English
- Location: England
Presents. Is it the thought that counts?
"It doesn't matter how little a present costs - it's the thought that counts." To what extent do you agree with this saying?
Last edited by TalkingPoint on Sat Jan 08, 2005 6:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.
-
- Member
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Sun Oct 10, 2004 10:56 am
well ...but sometimes ..i really consider it's cost
yes..it is true,,the most important fact is what is their true mind toward their beloved one ..but actually when i choose,,gift ..i really concern about the price..it's cost...and,,frankly..depends on the situation and person. individually. and it is quite different how much money i would pay for gifts.. ..
i think ..having joyful mind and being happy even it's cost is not high..when we get gift form others is natural...cause..that gift has lot's of meaning of being loved,,or..considerd ...
but most of all...giving is more happy than receiving.
preparing.. and spending time for someone..
i think ..having joyful mind and being happy even it's cost is not high..when we get gift form others is natural...cause..that gift has lot's of meaning of being loved,,or..considerd ...
but most of all...giving is more happy than receiving.
preparing.. and spending time for someone..
-
- Member
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Thu Dec 16, 2004 8:39 am
I agree that it doesn't matter how much the gift should cost but it is the thought that counts. Usually you think of the best gift to give to a certain person. As long as it is given whole heartedly no money could equalize with the love and thoughts wrapped in it. :)
hi everyone! i hope we can be friends..
-
- Member
- Posts: 4
- Joined: Tue Dec 21, 2004 7:37 am
- Location: China
I found that almost all members in our fornum are agree on the idea that thought is cardinal and cost is the second. But as a matter of fact, people value their friendship by how much does the gift cost. :(
As far as you know, in chinese wedding, the bride's and groom's friends should wrap a mount of money in a red bag. At the moment, their friends will make decision whether the friendship between them is worthy of 200yuan or not, or even more.
I am aggree with you too. But what I said above is a contradiction.Maybe we just need some time to resolve this problem.[/b]
As far as you know, in chinese wedding, the bride's and groom's friends should wrap a mount of money in a red bag. At the moment, their friends will make decision whether the friendship between them is worthy of 200yuan or not, or even more.
I am aggree with you too. But what I said above is a contradiction.Maybe we just need some time to resolve this problem.[/b]
-
- Member
- Posts: 10
- Joined: Thu Dec 16, 2004 2:05 pm
you know, i observed one funny conflict recently. our group of fitness-centre decided to make a present to our instructor (whose birthday is 1st of January :D ) and we gathered some money. the idea of gift was a big toy (for once when she awarded the winner of competition among children we saw she was saw excited herself with that toy). so one of our group members refused to give money for a toy, as she considers it not a good present. that's certainly her will, but... the matter of present is to make a person a bit happier with it, not necessary give the useful things only.
as about the balance of price of the present... showing the care of the person is much more important :) sometimes one can desire simple things :)
as about the balance of price of the present... showing the care of the person is much more important :) sometimes one can desire simple things :)
-
- Member
- Posts: 8
- Joined: Mon Dec 20, 2004 1:41 pm
- Location: Vietnam
As my favourite proverb is " If you have much, give of your wealth; if you have little, give of your heart." Therefore,it doesn't mater how much or little the present cost, the most important thing is that present can reveal the giver 's love,care for the receiver.
**True wealth is what you are,not what you have**
same thing for Vietnamese weddings, pal. I think we Vietnamese have a joke that the first night of the wedding is the night the couple can count how much money they've got from that wedding.jone54 wrote: I found that almost all members in our fornum are agree on the idea that thought is cardinal and cost is the second. But as a matter of fact, people value their friendship by how much does the gift cost. :(
As far as you know, in chinese wedding, the bride's and groom's friends should wrap a mount of money in a red bag. At the moment, their friends will make decision whether the friendship between them is worthy of 200yuan or not, or even more. I am aggree with you too. But what I said above is a contradiction.Maybe we just need some time to resolve this problem.[/b]
- Arale
- Rising Star
- Posts: 377
- Joined: Mon May 31, 2004 7:05 am
- Status: Learner of English
- Location: Vietnam
You should know how much does the gift cost. It is not a problem. The more important thing is what you think of that gift. It may be small or big. It may be cheap or expensive. The giver's love makes sense, not the gift's shape or size. You may count the outside but the inside is unaccountable.
_Arale_
_Arale_
Nothing lasts forever...
- Lee
- Member
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Sun Sep 05, 2004 10:51 pm
- Status: Learner of English
- Location: DPR.Korea
HI
I agree with all other members...
And my opinion is both are important...
All the members said ..Thoughts are important....But how he/she would know about your thoughts and caring???...Your gift shows that.....so I think both are important...
He/She would never know your thoughts and caring if you get him/her one chewing gum...........or even worth than that
PS:I am a new member here......HI
I agree with all other members...
And my opinion is both are important...
All the members said ..Thoughts are important....But how he/she would know about your thoughts and caring???...Your gift shows that.....so I think both are important...
He/She would never know your thoughts and caring if you get him/her one chewing gum...........or even worth than that
PS:I am a new member here......HI
- Honey
- Member
- Posts: 29
- Joined: Sat Nov 06, 2004 12:46 pm
- Location: Colombia
Hi!
I also agree with everybody! (How clever you are )
As long as the present is sent with love , it doesn't matter how much it costed. What I would really care is if it isn't through bearing in mind the other person's likes, as well as the quality of the gift . When I say quality, I don't mean expensive things. fortunately, there are many possibilities to give someone a cheap but excellent present (why not, handwork or something like that).
The occasion could also determine the kind of present you should give.
So, rather than how expensive it is, is how careful you are to send a good present. :D
I also agree with everybody! (How clever you are )
As long as the present is sent with love , it doesn't matter how much it costed. What I would really care is if it isn't through bearing in mind the other person's likes, as well as the quality of the gift . When I say quality, I don't mean expensive things. fortunately, there are many possibilities to give someone a cheap but excellent present (why not, handwork or something like that).
The occasion could also determine the kind of present you should give.
So, rather than how expensive it is, is how careful you are to send a good present. :D
Today is the tomorrow we worried about yesterday
Yup, a handmade greeting card, soap, candle, knitted stuff, folded stars can light my day.Honey wrote: fortunately, there are many possibilities to give someone a cheap but excellent present (why not, handwork or something like that).
The occasion could also determine the kind of present you should give.
So, rather than how expensive it is, is how careful you are to send a good present. :D
Yeah! That's why I love receiving presents from my nephews. Their presents are so cute. 8)Honey wrote: Hi!
That's why presents given by children are usually more delighting...
like my uncle. He loves receiving presents, but he always has to complain first.Honey wrote: Unless the person who receives it is very demanding.
No, I'm not talking about my father...
-
- Member
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Sun Jan 25, 2009 2:56 pm
- Status: Learner of English
Re: Presents. Is it the thought that counts?
It doesn't matter at all. presents always show love and care....so whatever the gift is we should feel grateful towards the person who has given us a gift and with a big smile.
- Anahita
- Rising Star
- Posts: 153
- Joined: Sat Aug 13, 2005 4:09 pm
- Status: Learner of English
- Location: Iran (Persia)
Re: Presents. Is it the thought that counts?
hmmm, if some one loves me that much that he/she is trying to show their kindness by giving a gift, then at least they can spend some time and choose some good presents, right?
but as if I give a damn! I will accept any present with a big smile since I believe I don't deserve such attention in the first place, haha. ^__^
but as if I give a damn! I will accept any present with a big smile since I believe I don't deserve such attention in the first place, haha. ^__^
-
- Member
- Posts: 9
- Joined: Thu Oct 03, 2013 11:14 pm
- Status: Teacher of English
- Location: Poland
Re: Presents. Is it the thought that counts?
The most important thing is to think of what the person would like, what would make him/her happy. And if you devote some time and effort to make a present with your own hands, it's even more precious.
-
- Member
- Posts: 18
- Joined: Fri Oct 24, 2014 7:35 am
- Status: Learner of English
Re: Presents. Is it the thought that counts?
I really agree with this opinion. There is no doubt about it that it doesn't matter how little the present cost is. In this respect gesture is more significant. You can make pleausure sb with cheap gift , and sometimes even expensive gift can be silly. From my point of view it is important to keep sb happy. You can do it , when you don't waste so much money. In my jugment you should prepare sth practical fot this person, then you make amazing suprise .I want to press the point that that gift isn't the most important think, more significant is your mature behavior on this person celebration. Strictly speaking when you have an occasion to buy unusual gift you should go to the shopping centre and buy thing with fits this person, don't waste too much money, if need be decorate it.
- aladrelich
- Member
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Fri Oct 24, 2014 7:35 am
- Status: Learner of English
Re: Presents. Is it the thought that counts?
In my opinion cost of present doesn't matter, because gift should be from heart.
I thinkt that little presents are the best and it doesn't matter if the gift wa expencive or inexpensive it is matter that present is from preson who you love or like and it is from the heart.
I thinkt that little presents are the best and it doesn't matter if the gift wa expencive or inexpensive it is matter that present is from preson who you love or like and it is from the heart.
-
- Member
- Posts: 17
- Joined: Mon Oct 27, 2014 5:09 pm
- Status: Learner of English
Re: Presents. Is it the thought that counts?
I think, that price is not important. The most beautiful presents are from heart. Gift should be considered. For example I like receive gifts, which someone gives me to make me happy, because intentions really count. In Christmas are more important thinghs than presents, but obviously everyone loves gifts.
- alicpryl
- Member
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Sun Oct 26, 2014 6:17 pm
- Status: Learner of English
Re: Presents. Is it the thought that counts?
In my opinion it doesn't matter how much the present costs. It isn't important how big or small the present is.
The most importatnt thing is if we made that gift with passion and with thought about that person.
Gift should makes us happy regardless of the cost.
The most importatnt thing is if we made that gift with passion and with thought about that person.
Gift should makes us happy regardless of the cost.
-
- Member
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Wed Nov 05, 2014 5:14 pm
- Status: Learner of English
Re: Presents. Is it the thought that counts?
I think that size, price doesn't matter when we talk about presents. In my opinion presents should be from our heart with a view to make someone happy. And definitely the joy of the gift does not depend on the value of monetary but from emotional worth.
-
- Member
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Wed Oct 29, 2014 4:27 pm
- Status: Learner of English
Re: Presents. Is it the thought that counts?
Prize of present isn't important for me. I like to receive presents from heart, not only expensive things. In my opinion the best presents should make us happy and smile. If I receive that present, I never think about price.
-
- Member
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Fri Oct 24, 2014 7:33 am
- Status: Learner of English
Re: Presents. Is it the thought that counts?
I believe that this saying is very true. Through my life I got many presents which was handmade made and the most important for me was all work and heart inserted in presents. I got lots of presents which are precious only for me and this is really beautiful.
-
- Member
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Sat Oct 25, 2014 12:44 pm
- Status: Learner of English
Re: Presents. Is it the thought that counts?
I think that this sentence is true because when we give presents to another person we want to elicit a smile on face of this person . Price it's not important for me. The most important is the desire to make someone happy. Everyone likes to get the presents.
-
- Member
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Fri Oct 24, 2014 7:28 am
- Status: Learner of English
Re: Presents. Is it the thought that counts?
it doesn't matter how much the present costs. The most important thing should be that it causes a smile. Gifts can be small, expensive, cheap, a lot, have different shapes and colors. This diversity makes choices that each can be gifted. And giving gifts is like giving happiness.
-
- Member
- Posts: 16
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2014 12:15 am
- Status: Learner of English
Re: Presents. Is it the thought that counts?
I think that the price of gift is unimportant. For me the best prezzie is from our heart and we don't even have to pay for it. A supererogation, an outreach, a hug or a smile, these are the most valuable gifts which we can get and give. You only need a bit of good will. That should do it.
-
- Member
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Fri Oct 24, 2014 7:29 am
- Status: Learner of English
Re: Presents. Is it the thought that counts?
It doesn't matter how much we pay for gifts. I think we should give presents from heart and it doesn't have to cost a lot of money. We can do presents youself and it can be better than gift from shop.
-
- Member
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2014 5:22 pm
- Status: Learner of English
Re: Presents. Is it the thought that counts?
I think that it doesn't matter how much we pay for gifts. I'm sure that people often prefer to get something from heart, something which you did not another for example device like a mobile phone, which quickly get them bored. I always remeber for a longer time these gifts, which somebody did, not these gifts, which he bought.
-
- Member
- Posts: 14
- Joined: Sun Oct 26, 2014 8:43 pm
- Status: Learner of English
Re: Presents. Is it the thought that counts?
I think it isn't important how much money our parents spent for gifts. In the past I always had some big gifts and some small gifts. That Christmas, I had a money as an only present. It could be the same worth as my gifts in the past, but I was more happy, when I had normal toys as gifts.
-
- Member
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Mon Nov 17, 2014 5:28 pm
- Status: Learner of English
Re: Presents. Is it the thought that counts?
It isn't important how much we pay for gifts for smoebody. I think that the magic in giving presents is only a fact that we would like to comfort or surprise somebody.
-
- Member
- Posts: 14
- Joined: Fri Oct 24, 2014 7:30 am
- Status: Learner of English
Re: Presents. Is it the thought that counts?
For me it it's important how much somebody spent on present for me, but fact that he did it. I mean, ofc it's really great to know that he/she can spend on sth 4 us a lot of money, but come on, what matters is that they remember about us! :)
-
- Member
- Posts: 15
- Joined: Sun Nov 09, 2014 12:35 pm
- Status: Learner of English
Re: Presents. Is it the thought that counts?
I don'r really care how much money I spent on presents for someone. All that matters is happiness of the person th whom I gave a gift. Opposite situation is when someone gives me a present, it don't have to be something expensive but gave from the heart. :>
-
- Member
- Posts: 10
- Joined: Thu Mar 12, 2015 8:43 pm
- Status: Learner of English
Re: Presents. Is it the thought that counts?
Yes, I agree with previous post. The gift should be from heart. If you spend a lot of time to find favourite present or make it with your hands, then part of the soul passed to your dear person on this gift. And cost of gift doesn't matter.
- Krisi
- Top Contributor
- Posts: 1769
- Joined: Fri Jul 20, 2007 9:48 am
- Status: Learner of English
Re: Presents. Is it the thought that counts?
The practice of gift giving had lost its meaning,I think. Before, the giver wants to create a good impression to the receiver but now, do you think this is still the same? The true meaning of gift giving is dying out, I guess. The infusion of some beliefs gave rise to another meaning to the minds of some people about this very old practice of the people with sincere and honest heart.
To my understanding gift giving is an expression of happiness and/or welcoming in a polite and friendly way. I also believe that the practice of gift giving started back when "The Magi" visited Jesus Christ on the day of His birth bringing gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. Because of this bible story, I always keep in my heart the sincere and honest meaning of gift giving, but because of one incident a new meaning stir up my mind.
How would you feel in a situation;
1. If you are the giver, how would you like to be thought as his/her rival. To make this clear, what do you want to imply if you give a gift with a name, "Envy me"? ... Would it still give a friendly or sweet/romantic sense that it's the thought that counts?
2. If you are the receiver, could you somewhat feel the sincerity of the giver?
this is true and it really happened.
To my understanding gift giving is an expression of happiness and/or welcoming in a polite and friendly way. I also believe that the practice of gift giving started back when "The Magi" visited Jesus Christ on the day of His birth bringing gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. Because of this bible story, I always keep in my heart the sincere and honest meaning of gift giving, but because of one incident a new meaning stir up my mind.
How would you feel in a situation;
1. If you are the giver, how would you like to be thought as his/her rival. To make this clear, what do you want to imply if you give a gift with a name, "Envy me"? ... Would it still give a friendly or sweet/romantic sense that it's the thought that counts?
2. If you are the receiver, could you somewhat feel the sincerity of the giver?
this is true and it really happened.
- Krisi
- Top Contributor
- Posts: 1769
- Joined: Fri Jul 20, 2007 9:48 am
- Status: Learner of English
Re: Presents. Is it the thought that counts?
any comment? how would you feel seeing yourself in this kind of situation?Krisi wrote:The practice of gift giving had lost its meaning,I think. Before, the giver wants to create a good impression to the receiver but now, do you think this is still the same? The true meaning of gift giving is dying out, I guess. The infusion of some beliefs gave rise to another meaning to the minds of some people about this very old practice of the people with sincere and honest heart.
To my understanding gift giving is an expression of happiness and/or welcoming in a polite and friendly way. I also believe that the practice of gift giving started back when "The Magi" visited Jesus Christ on the day of His birth bringing gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh. Because of this bible story, I always keep in my heart the sincere and honest meaning of gift giving, but because of one incident a new meaning stir up my mind.
How would you feel in a situation;
1. If you are the giver, how would you like to be thought as his/her rival. To make this clear, what do you want to imply if you give a gift with a name, "Envy me"? ... Would it still give a friendly or sweet/romantic sense that it's the thought that counts?
2. If you are the receiver, could you somewhat feel the sincerity of the giver?
this is true and it really happened.
-
- Member
- Posts: 13
- Joined: Tue Oct 03, 2017 8:13 pm
- Status: Learner of English
Re: Presents. Is it the thought that counts?
In my opinion, i think the gift is more important and valuable than how much the gift is. Giving a gift to each other is a traditional activity since longtime ago. People are trying to give gifts to families, to friends or to someone who you love. the key part should be how much effort you pay on that gifts not how much money you spend. For example, if some people are not rich, but they still buy some suverniors for you after they visited the country, isn't that meaningful? It is true that people are happy when they they receive something expensive or luxury, but people expect to see how much effort you put on preparing that gift.