The Spirit of Exchanging Gifts

Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi (rahmatullahi ‘alaih) once mentioned:

To exchange gifts is a Sunnah practice in Islam. When exchanging gifts is a Sunnah practice, then how can it not be a means of attracting barakah (blessings)? However, just as other acts of worship have conditions for their acceptance and for one to acquire the full reward, similarly the practice of exchanging gifts also has certain conditions for its acceptance. One should therefore adhere to the conditions laid down for the acceptance of the gifting. Among the conditions, one important condition is that the one making over the gift should neither be compelled to offer it nor should he do it for show. Only when a gift is given with complete sincerity and without show and compulsion, then will the true spirit and happiness of exchanging gifts be experienced. Even more important than the gift itself is the appreciation that needs to be shown when receiving the gift. If at the time when receiving the gift there is no appreciation, gratitude and love shown, then what good is there in such a gifting. (Malfoozaat Hakeemul Ummat 7/195)