The Wild History of Gifting: The Most Extravagant Gifts Ever Given
What’s the best gift you’ve ever received? A fancy gadget? A holiday? A puppy? Well, prepare to feel underwhelmed because history is packed with gifts so extravagant they make even a first-class trip to the Maldives look stingy. We’re talking countries, towering statues, and even entire cities. But why do we gift in the first place? And how did we go from handing over live animals to wrapping up scented candles? Let’s unwrap the fascinating history of gifting.
Why Do Humans Love Gifting?
Gifting isn’t just a Christmas tradition or a birthday must-do—it’s deeply rooted in human history. From ancient civilisations to modern times, exchanging gifts has been a way to show love, loyalty, gratitude, and, let’s be honest, sometimes pure flexing.
Anthropologists believe gifting started as a survival tactic. Early humans shared food and tools to strengthen social bonds and ensure the group’s survival. Over time, this evolved into a more symbolic act, with gifts representing power, wealth, and status. Kings gifted land, warriors gifted treasures, and today, we gift a spa day because, well, who doesn’t love a bit of pampering?
The Most Outrageous Gifts Ever Given
If you thought diamonds and designer bags were excessive, wait until you hear about these absurdly grand presents:
The Taj Mahal (1632-1653)
Emperor Shah Jahan of India built this stunning white marble mausoleum in memory of his late wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It’s possibly the most breathtaking (and expensive) love letter in history.
The Statue of Liberty (1886)
France gifted this 93-metre-tall statue to the USA to celebrate their friendship. Not exactly something you can pop in a gift bag.
Cleopatra’s Pearl (circa 41 BC)
To impress Mark Antony, Cleopatra dissolved a giant pearl in vinegar and drank it, proving that sometimes, the most extravagant gifts are the ones you consume.
Hanging Gardens of Babylon (6th Century BC, supposedly)
Built by King Nebuchadnezzar II for his homesick wife, this mythical wonder was said to be a lush paradise in the middle of the desert. If only houseplants were still gifted at this level.
A Fake Trojan Horse (But Make It Deadly) (c. 1200 BC)
The Greeks gave Troy a “gift” that turned out to be a battle strategy in disguise. Probably not the most wholesome gift on this list, but certainly the sneakiest.
Wait, Where Did Wrapping Paper Come From?
If you’ve ever spent an hour wrestling with wrapping paper and tape, you can blame the ancient Chinese. They invented wrapping paper as early as 2nd Century BC to package monetary gifts.
By the early 20th century, modern wrapping paper was introduced by accident when a shop in the USA ran out of tissue paper and started selling decorative paper instead. It was an instant hit, and now, every Christmas morning, we create a mountain of shredded paper in its honour.
The Story of a Gift That Changed the World
Not all gifts are about wealth and extravagance. Some are about changing lives. One of the most impactful gifts in history? The gift of penicillin.
In 1928, Alexander Fleming discovered the bacteria-killing properties of mould in his lab. Though not a gift in the traditional sense, his discovery of penicillin became one of the greatest life-saving gifts to humanity. By the 1940s, this antibiotic was saving soldiers in World War II, and today, it’s estimated to have saved over 200 million lives. Talk about the gift that keeps on giving.
FAQs About Gifting (Because You’re Probably Wondering...)
Q: What is the most expensive gift ever given?
A: The Taj Mahal takes the crown, estimated to have cost over $1 billion in today’s money.
Q: What is the most common gift in the world?
A: Flowers. Universally loved, easy to find, and (unlike a Taj Mahal) fit neatly into a vase.
Q: Why do some people hate receiving gifts?
A: Some people feel pressured to reciprocate, dislike surprises, or just don’t want more clutter. The best gift for them? An experience.
Q: What’s the worst gift to give someone?
A: A gym membership. It sends all the wrong messages.
What Will Gifting Look Like in the Future?
We’ve gone from gifting animals and empires to e-vouchers and subscriptions. So, what’s next?
Experts predict AI-personalised gifts, NFT presents, and even space travel experiences could become the new norm. As technology advances, gifting is set to become more personalised, immersive, and—who knows?—maybe even intergalactic.
So, What’s the Best Gift You’ve Ever Given or Received?
We’ve covered some of the wildest, most extravagant, and life-changing gifts in history. But let’s bring it back to you. What’s the most memorable gift you’ve ever received? Drop it in the comments—who knows, you might inspire someone’s next great present!