A 'gift' or a 'present' is the transfer of something without the expectation of
receiving something in return. Although gift-giving might involve an expectation
of reciprocity, a gift is meant to be free. In many human societies, the act of
mutually exchanging money, goods, etc. may contribute to social cohesion.
Economists have elaborated the economics of gift-giving into the notion of a
gift economy. By extension the term gift can refer to anything that makes the
other happier or less sad, especially as a favor, including forgiveness and
kindness.
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