Last week, I received a hand written note from a client who had to unexpectedly cancel a meeting at which, along with a colleague, I was scheduled to speak.

When I opened up the envelope, to my delight, along with a few words of apology I found a Starbucks gift card. Hand written. Snail mail, too!

A gift given unexpectedly when there is no special occasion, to me at least, is even more appreciated than when it is given out of duty or because it is expected. It shows special consideration and thoughtfulness.

I don’t know about you but in our age of over indulgence and conspicuous consumption, my favourite gift to give and to receive is a book or a gift of music in some form because the value of both far exceeds the gift itself and lasts longer.

When you give a book, you give knowledge. When you give music, you give love