The Ivöri Guide on Gift-giving

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ON GIFT-GIVING

https://youtu.be/OjPm0o04lGE?si=98DlNhXYurRSnLMR

Published by Annaliese Keen

Issued on the 12th of Harren’s Folly in the Year of our Lord 2005.

 

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FOREWORD

 

It is said that to receive a gift from an Ivöri is quite the affair. There are many things that go into choosing a gift, the key tenets being to remember thoughtfulness, practicality and quality over quantity.

 

The thought that is put into a present starts at the conception of the idea: who is the present for? You must know the intended receiver, and take the time to find something of quality that would suit them well. If for a little girl, you wouldn’t get her a training sword but perhaps a book on the flower language. It is all about intent.

 

From there, it is all about the presentation. How it is received is everything, and should the gift-giver not receive a thank you letter, it is a grave insult.

 

It is with this in mind that I pen this guide to Ivöri gift-giving, so people may not make a fool of themselves.

 

 

1. The Etiquette of Gifts

 

Giving and Receiving

 

An Ivöri depiction of the gathering of a pelt from the mountains for a little girl.

 

“I created the metals of the earth, and the onyx and the alabaster, and placed within your groves the trees of incense and resin, and gave the beasts of the earth their fine coats.” [Virtue, 2:4]

 

There is an etiquette to gift-giving, one to follow in order to put your best face forward. The emphasis of gift-giving is based entirely around politeness and respect for the other party.

 

Presentation: Giving

When presenting your chosen gift to the intended individual, beautifully wrapped gifts are most appreciated. Taking the time to prepare shows your attention to detail.

• The gift is opened in front of the giver, which allows for the recipient to show their thanks immediately rather than later.
• In choosing a gift, the three tenets to follow are: 
• Thoughtfulness; the thought behind the gift is most important
• Quality over Quantity; it is better to give something small of a good quality then something large and impersonal
• Practicality, the practicality of a gift is one of importance, examples being local delicacies, high-quality clothing or household goods

Presentation: Receiving

When receiving a gift, you must open the gift immediately so you may express your gratitude to the giver. 

• After receiving a gift, it is commonplace to write a thank you note, even for something small. To not do so is considered extremely rude.
• If the gift received is disliked or already had, it is polite not to say so and express your thanks. 

 

2. When to Give a Gift?

 

Traditions of the Ivöri

 

 

An Ivöri child giving her father a hint of a dress she wants.

 

 “And so I have placed into your hearts the blessings of abundance: the virtuous wealth of the spirit. 

 

  And as I have given to you this blessing of My Word, you shall also give unto your fellows.

 

For I have placed into your heart a wealth of virtue, and I have created for you a garden of abundance. 

 

 And you shall give your fellows the abundance of the spirit, which is My Word. 

 

For the abundance of the spirit is never divided, but multiplied.” [Virtue, 2:5-9]

 

To further detail in this guide, times of which a gift will be suitable will be listed, alongside common fitting gifting during such times.

 

Namedays: The Celebration of Life

Popular nameday gifts to present are toys, books and art supplies. A gift a little girl may want are new oil-based paints for her easel - while a little boy may wish for a training sword.

• It is encouraged for creative and educational gifts to be given to children.

Weddings: The Celebration of Love

Wedding gifts by the Ivöri tend to range more towards practicality for the wedded couple, to help them in their new start in life. Popular wedding gifts are household goods, wines, cheeses or smaller pieces of furniture, such as a clock.

• While practicality takes the forefront, unique gifts are still often welcomed.

Holidays: The Celebration of Culture

Popular gifts during the holidays range, though tend to see an artisanal theme during such times. A few examples are the gifting of handmade candles, boxes of sweets or woolen scarves to protect from the cold.

• Toys, books and puzzles are common to be gifted to children during this time. A little girl's favorite may be a new doll, dressed in a woolen scarf and dress.
• Smaller tokens that are often given are handmade chocolates, champagnes and cheeses to enjoy during the holidays.

Friendship: The Celebration of the Occasion

When making new friendships, whether a child's friend or a more formal relationship, a gift is appreciated to welcome it.

• It is best to not be too personal in this initial gift, most opting for things like chocolate, a quill set or a bottle of wine.
• Timing is important, as this can set the pace for the rest of the friendship.
• One example of timing is giving a gift the next time you meet your new friend, or to present a gift after the closing of an agreement, such as a diplomatic meeting.

 

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CONCLUSION

 

This brings us to the conclusion of the Ivöri gift-giving guide, dedicated to my Papa and Mama. I pray I have shown the thoughtfulness included in the Ivöri gift, as a little girl who wants to see my dearest family happy.

 

 

SIGNED,

 

Her Ladyship, Annaliese Keen, Daughter of the Ivöri Princeps