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Gift giving has taken on international significance lately! That’s right, the presents heads of states exchange is now discussed on news programs all over the world.

In the past few days I have heard several U.S. news pundits discussing presidential gifts. Apparently, President and Mrs. Obama gave Queen Elizabeth a recording of show music. Gift-watchers made the time to complain to the national gift oversight board (joke!) about this electronic present. Some U.S. gift experts have better gift ideas; they say collectibles like antique home accessories and local handicrafts are more appropriate presents. They claim that the musical device is too cold and impersonal.

Perhaps Americans are still worried about pleasing the mother country. I say this because most British reporters aren’t fussing so much about the gift. In fact, they think it’s topnotch. They assert that the present to Queen Elizabeth was touching in its sensitivity to Her Majesty’s personal taste. Good work on the part of the Presidential staff, which carefully researched the Queen’s taste and filled the device with all the light tunes she enjoys.

I can understand why people might think world peace and economic security depend on this high-level gift exchange. I understand this irrational belief because I often think that my friendships rise or fall based on the gifts I offer. When I regain my senses I realize that, while presents do mean a great deal, they do not determine the fate of the world or of my relationships.

I am fortunate to have in my life good friends, a loving family and an ever-increasing number of sweet babies. They all require presents. My friend Sally, a giver of lovely gifts, has an organized and efficient method of shopping. She shops at the same two local stores all the time and always finds a special clothing accessory, garden tool, or home décor object. Her stores even gift-wrap for free.

Personally, I avoid stores whenever possible. If I can’t find it at the grocery store, I’ll do without. The Internet expands my buying options considerably. I have found several websites that carry gifts I’d be proud to give to anyone on my shopping list. Whether I want books, toys, clothing, seasonal decorations, or practical gifts for the home, my favorite online markets never fail me. I often go online without any idea of what to get and wind up with the most perfect present.

In addition to having great selections with new items every time I look, my online shops have terrific customer service. I can get online when the spirit moves me and order a year’s worth of gifts and the customer service reps will make sure the presents arrive at the right time. And while most of them charge for gift-wrapping and shipping, when you add it up, their services are well worth the cost. They have everything I need for gift giving, no matter what the occasion.

If anyone of international importance asks me my opinion on gift giving, this is what I will say: Gifts are tokens of love, respect, and/or appreciation. There is joy in both giving and receiving. But gifts won’t make or break the future. What matters most are the love, respect, and appreciation the gifts represent.