Today a PR company sent me a onesie, and it made my day.
Now bear with me, this is not a sponsored post. I'm not going to (yet again) extol the virtues of the onesie. But I am going to extol the virtues of gifts.
Even though the onesie was sent to me by a PR company, and even though I'm sure they did it so I could promote it on social media, it still made me feel special. Because they knew I love onesies and they went to the trouble of tracking me down and sending me one. And it worked. It made me feel super special. And it was a high point in a fairly crapstick day.
They say it is better to give than to receive, but it is pretty bloody awesome to receive. And it is especially nice to receive for no reason. Birthday presents are lovely, but a gift just because is the most meaningful present of all.
This year I have been on the receiving end of gifts, from friends who have known I'm having a rough year. Lana, for example, bought me a gorgeous little dress that she saw me admiring in a shop when we strolled by. It was only $250* but it meant so much to me that she bought it for me, and every time I wear it I think of her and feel good.
Gab the Wonder Babysitter also bought me a present - a little silver bracelet that she found online. This one was about $1100**, and if I didn't love it just because it was so cute, I love it because she gave it to me just because.
I've also received the odd gift (think jars of Nutella and 'Dear Fuckface' stationery***) from online friends who knew I needed a boost. My beautiful friend Kylie sent me flowers for no reason. And my mum buys me endless presents - from $8 Ugg boot rip offs to sparkly tops to slankies and hot water bottles and mugs - and they make me feel so cared for. They make me feel loved. Even the purple slanky. Especially the purple slanky.
Now, my point isn't to rave about how I love receiving gifts, or to solicit for more, because I have enough. My point is to remind myself and you about how happy we can make people with the smallest little gesture.
It's not about the gift, per se. It's not about the money. It's about showing people we love them and appreciate them just because. It's a meal or a chocolate bar or a pair of socks or a hairclip. It's a pen or a book or a tank top or a onesie (sorry, couldn't help it). Or it's a card or an email. It's saying 'I'm thinking of you. You're special to me. I love you. Just because.'
And I'm going to do it more. Because the people around me have been so good to me and I appreciate them. I appreciate you. I truly, truly do.
*okay, $20, it was on the Specials rack
**which is a total lie, I don't pay her that well
***BEST STATIONERY EVER