Gifts

[Evilcountspatula]

To be fair, this probably belongs in linguistic pedants corner. But since when did everyone start referring to presents as gifts?

always known presents as gifts? its nothing new op..

Clearly I’ve been living under a rock - just struck me, probably looking at mumsnet this year more than previous years

The word gift has been around for 400 years!

Apparently Seinfeld invented the term re-gifting in a 1995 episode.

Fair enough @phishy!

I have no problem with ´gift´ used as a noun but do hate it used as a verb.

We all use the word 'presents' in my house.

I had no idea other people were calling them gifts. Ugh, gifts. To me the word gift is associated with 'free gifts' (and therefore is something crappy).

Well... The King James Version of the Bible in English was published in 1611 and that refers to gifts in the story of the Magi (Matthew 2:11)

And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

You can present gifts to people, but you shouldn't gift them presents.

It's in the Wycliffe Bible too (dates 1382 to 1395)
And they entered into the house, and found the child with Mary, his mother; and they felled down, and worshipped him. And when they had opened their treasures, they offered to him gifts, gold, incense, and myrrh.

You did ask, OP!

I can’t imagine a nativity where they say presents instead of gifts. It seems less regal some how.

Although I know they are oft wise men rather than kings but presents just sounds a bit more informal.

@LittleGreyFluffyCat

We all use the word 'presents' in my house.

I had no idea other people were calling them gifts. Ugh, gifts. To me the word gift is associated with 'free gifts' (and therefore is something crappy).

Yes same with me.

I’ve always known the word presents since I was a kid in Liverpool and I haven’t changed even though I live in London.
In fact everybody I know says presents so it’s not a “class” thing or how much money you have it’s just the Norm.lol

Present or gift in my opinion who cares as it’s the thought that counts.

A quick look at the etymology suggests both have been around for many centuries, with 'gift' deriving from a Scandinavian/Germanic root, and 'present' from French/Latin.

Interesting point about the wise men bearing gifts, you're right, it would sound wrong for them to bring presents.

So now I have a new perspective...
Gifts are either crappy (free gift) or things that are very fine, frankincense etc, given to or from special or royal people, or people in the past, or maybe people in stories. Everyone else should get presents.

Interesting. When did present enter into our language in place of gift I wonder.
I prefer "gift" as it's something that you want to give someone whereas "present" hasn't got the same sentiment. Somehow it sounds expected and dutiful. 🎁💝

When did present enter into our language in place of gift I wonder

They've both been in use for centuries, and I really don't think it is the case that either has replaced the other at any point. There's a bit of a difference in emphasis; you can easily find the etymology or if you search 'gift or present there are some discussions. Some of these point out that 'gift' as a verb isn't a recent invention either, and also the common use of 'gift' as an 'attributive noun' - gift wrap, gift shop etc etc. Its also used for talents etc.

Otoh 'Christmas presents' and 'birthday presents' are standard constructs. Think of the opening of 'Little women': 'Christmas won't be Christmas without any presents...'

@LittleGreyFluffyCat my thoughts exactly! Appreciate all the biblical references etc but I’ve honestly never heard of people referring to birthday/ Christmas presents in everyday conversation as “gifts” until noticing it on mumsnet. I don’t think it’s a regional thing either as I’ve lived in various parts of the UK over the years.