Love Language - Gifting

Some days in the shop are busy. Some days are beautifully quiet. And some days gently remind me why I wanted to open a gift store in the first place.

A man in his forties or fifties came in the other afternoon. He took a slow lap, hands in pockets, scanning shelves the way people do when they’re not quite sure what they’re looking for yet - they just know they’re hoping they’ll recognize it when they see it.

After a few minutes, he shared that his wife had been having a rough week. Nothing dramatic. Nothing specific. Just one of those weeks. And he wanted to bring home a small pick-me-up.

We started with a candle. Something cozy, comforting, the kind that quietly changes the mood of a room. Then a pair of Warmies slippers - soft, warm, a little bit indulgent. The kind of gift that says, “I noticed you’re tired- it has been a hard week.” Before heading to the register, he paused and added something small for his daughter too. Because if you’re already spreading a little kindness, why not keep it going?

It wasn’t a big purchase. It wasn’t flashy. But it felt big in the way that matters.

I’m always in awe of people who take the time to try to make someone else feel better. Especially when there’s nothing in it for them except the hope that it might bring a tiny smile, a deep breath, a moment of relief.

I guess that’s probably why I’ve always loved gift giving. It’s never really been about the object. It’s about the message hidden inside it:

“I see you.”
“I’m thinking about you.”
“You matter to me.”

No matter what your love language is - words, time, hugs, acts of service, gifts - I hope you find a small way this week to give a “great win” to someone you love. And maybe, if you’re lucky, someone will give one to you too.

That’s the kind of exchange the world could always use more of. 💛