Spending too much on gifts: أفكار لمقال IELTS

People often spend large sums on gifts for birthdays and festivals, and some believe this tradition should be reduced. I agree with this view, because excessive gift-giving has financial, social and environmental drawbacks.

The first problem is financial pressure. Many families feel obliged to buy expensive presents to show affection or to match what others give, and the result can be debt, especially around major holidays. A parent on a modest income may borrow money so that a child is not disappointed, which creates stress that outweighs any pleasure from the gift. Secondly, the tradition has become commercial. Advertising encourages people to link love with spending, so the meaning of the occasion is replaced by competition over who gives the most impressive item. Children may learn to value possessions rather than relationships. Thirdly, there is environmental waste. Unwanted presents are often thrown away or left unused, and packaging and production add to landfill and carbon emissions.

Reducing the tradition does not mean abandoning it. Thoughtful, inexpensive gifts, such as a handwritten letter, a homemade meal or a day out together, can be more memorable than costly goods. Families could agree on spending limits, draw names so that each person buys just one present, or give donations to charity instead. Spending time together, which is what most people actually want from festivals, costs very little.

Some people may argue that gifts support businesses and give joy. This is true to a point, but moderate giving would still serve these purposes.

In conclusion, scaling back extravagant gift-giving would ease financial pressure, restore the true meaning of celebrations and benefit the environment. I therefore agree that the tradition should be reduced.