What is the greatest gift someone could give you?

If someone were to ask me today about the greatest gift one could give, my answer would undoubtedly be ‘Books.’ Books are the most meaningful gift anyone could receive. However, this wasn’t always the case for me. A few years ago, I would have struggled to answer this question. My love for reading was rekindled in 2017, and I started my journey with e-books. The accessibility of e-books was a big advantage—after all, a phone is something you always carry, making it easy to open a Kindle app and dive into a story anywhere, anytime.

But when I discovered the Bookstagram community, my perspective shifted. Despite the convenience of e-books, I realized the irreplaceable charm of physical books. Holding a book, flipping through its pages, and immersing myself in its tangible presence brought an unmatched joy. Though I’m someone who often forgets to carry things, I now make it a point to always have a printed book with me. Over time, reading and collecting physical books has become a delightful passion.

When it comes to gifting, I’ve always been more of a giver than a receiver. But there are two gifts I’ve received that are incredibly special to me—gifts that no material possession could ever replace.

1. A photo frame from a best friend (2016): One of my closest friends gifted me a photo frame for my birthday in 2016. We became friends at work, and she made the frame extra special by adding pictures of me with all my best friends. It was such a thoughtful gesture and holds a very special place in my heart.

2. A photo frame from my mentor(2018): Another gift that remains close to my heart is a photo frame gifted by my former manager and mentor. This thoughtful surprise came as I was preparing to return to my home country. Instead of picking up a generic gift, he created something truly meaningful. He gathered my cherished memories, photos from my Facebook profile, moments with my USA friends (whom he didn’t know but understood were important to me)—and turned them into a beautiful photo frame. This gift is not just a keepsake; it’s a reminder of the care, thoughtfulness, and bond we shared. I can talk fondly about it for hours because it’s one of the most beautiful and memorable gifts I’ve ever received. It will forever remain close to my heart.

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