Good Grape Wine Company

Author Deanna Washington defines the meanings behind hundreds of everyday items, ranging from plants, astrological signs, scents, animals, numbers, food and more. Simply determine the message you want to express with the gift and then look in the book for items that symbolize that meaning. Jot down a few ideas and head for the store!

As the publisher of a website on imaginative gift giving [URL], I'm always looking for ways to turn mundane items into memorable gifts. This book is already dog-eared with use!


Excellent Reference   March 15, 2002
 10 out of 11 found this review helpful

I think this is a great reference book. If you have to give a gift for a wedding you can look in here and find something with meaning that isn't expensive. You can wrap it up prettily with a lovely little card explaining the meaning of the gift and you have a much appreciated gift. I am finding that it truly is the thought and not the cost. BUT- it must have much thought and love put into it. Hence, this book. This book is like having someone already do the thinking for you on the meaning. You just need to pick out which gift you like and which meaning you want to attach to it.

Sure you can run out and do some of this research for yourself, but would you? Do you have the time? Would you even think of 1/2 the ideas in this book? I wouldn't have the time nor would I remember what I did research so I'd be doing the same research over and over and over.

If you want a small token of friendship or an inexpensive but nice wedding gift or a expensive gift that has a lot of thought put into it, this is the book to get. It is well researched, well organized and well worth the money.


A Gift is Worth a Thousand Words, Make It Say Something   December 14, 2000
 20 out of 20 found this review helpful

If you're stuck for a gift on a limited budget (or a generous budget) and you want to give a thoughtful gift that will be remembered long after the wrapping paper has been thrown away, check out Deanna Washington's "The Language of Gifts." Washington has written a resource guide cross-culturally researched and filled with meaning that pulls at your heartstrings, not at your purse. In the eight months since I purchased the book I've bought gifts for birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, baby showers, weddings and now Christmas. None cost more than 10 dollars. And because I knew the "meaning" of the objects I chose, I could briefly explain the symbolism in the context of my relationship and my wishes for the recipient. Because of this book my motto now is, "a gift is worth a thousand words, make it say something." Anyone can give a gift that grabs the heart by using this book. It will help you express the deeper meaning and the emotions behind your gift, which helps create the richest bond of all, the bond of memories and emotions.


Giving My Simple Gifts Extra Meaning   December 13, 2000
 8 out of 8 found this review helpful

I love to give little gifts to people. This book answers my desire to add particular meaning to what I give. Even a small trinket becomes important when it carries my special intent in the form of story or tradition. I recently gave a small carved elephant to my husband in gratitude for his patience during a family crisis. He was touched by the specific message included in my choice of the elephant for him. Whenever he looks at the elephant I believe he becomes more patient all over again. I keep this book close at hand, leafing through it for ideas when I've someone I want to gift. Then my card can include the reasons I chose this gift for them. This is a lovely resource.