In response to my previous post, one reader asked: “Okay, so fake leather isn’t right for women, nor the polo shirts for guys – but what would be the right present?”
I think USB sticks make great gifts these days as everybody keeps losing them. They should have just picked a more unisex style instead of one that was permanently embedded in Terminator style leather. Business card holders are useful – everyone needs them anyway; but again a unisex design is important. And if you are thoughtful enough to get something with elegant ‘green’ packaging you get extra bonus points.
These discussions about appropriateness of gifts have reminded me of a Panchtantra story I had read as a kid. It is a common story that most Indians have learned in school (at least, people my age).
There are two friends – a crow and a crane. One day the crane invites the crow for dinner at his home. He serves a delicious porridge in a ‘surahi’, a narrow necked earthen pot. While the crane thoroughly enjoys the meal, the crow’s short beak can’t reach the porridge in the pot. He is forced to eat the crumbs spilled by the crane.
The crow doesn’t say anything but in turn invites the crane for dinner. And he serves the meal in a flat ‘thali’. Of course, this time the crane doesn't get much to eat and he soon realizes his mistake.
So taking a cue from the Panchtantra tale: Next time I’m in-charge of corporate gifts, maybe I’ll distribute silk blouses with embroidered company logo to all. :)
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