A gift is what is given – even though not all gifts are given or shared.
A gift can be a natural talent – as valuable as silver – or it may be anything else we present and give to others. The precious present is sometimes considered the greatest gift of all. Our time, attention, and presence are great gifts to give and share. That’s all well and good, but sometimes people are more interested in something else, less personal and more tangible, that they can use – whether we are there or not.
Goods are essentially any product. How good it actually is somewhat relative and depends upon people’s needs at the time. Some items tend to retain or increase in value, while others do not. Those that are in demand are considered good goods to have – both for oneself and others.
Not everything exchanged has a “monetary value” – and when traveling or during a “collapse” or lack of confidence in the customary “currency”, other gifts and goods will be desired and valued more.
Some gifts are “duty free”. Others gifts are the “duty” of those who are “free” to share – when we can with who we can – either to get what we may want, need, and desire in return, or just to help others in need who would benefit from what we may have they do not.
Barter goods:
American beer, whiskey, cigarettes, .22 shells, M&Ms, fish hooks and line, t-shirts, caps, canned goods
Good gifts:
Candy, t-shirts, Levis, (bedding and linens), caps and visors, dark glasses, fish hooks and line, picture postcards, costume jewelry, hair barrettes, headbands, make-up, writing tablets, pencils and erasers, pens, crayons, paints, colorful folders, stickers, storybooks, textbooks, tools, photographs (of people you meet or their children)
Best and Worst Prepared Cities
© 2011 – 2012, Oren Pardes. All rights reserved.