They Gave Us Ducks?

When my wife Michelle and I got married, one of her friend’s gave us a pair of wooden ducks as our wedding gift. Having been raised by Irish parents, I was used to always giving money as a wedding gift.

When we opened the ducks, I looked at Michelle and said, “They gave us ducks as a wedding gift?”

It turns out the ducks were Korean wood carved Mandarin ducks, which are used in Korean wedding ceremonies and often given as marriage gifts.

The ducks are meant to be displayed prominently somewhere in the home (as they have been in our home since our marriage). If there is harmony between the husband and wife, then the ducks should be oriented facing each other, bill to bill. If the couple is arguing, they may turn one or both ducks so that they are facing away from each other. The ribbon around the ducks beaks signifies that silence is a virtue.

Over the years, I have worked for some managers that presented me with some thoughtful gifts that I still recall fondly:

-An insulated bag for holding two bottles of white wine along with a cork screw with a note ‘I hope you find time to get outside and enjoy the upcoming beautiful summer months’. We still use it for outdoor concerts at Ravinia.

-A bottle of Hendricks Gin with a note ‘I recall you saying you liked Gin and Tonics. This cucumber infused Gin is my favorite for G & T’. Indeed it has also become my favorite.

-A large tin of Garrett’s popcorn sent to my home with a note ‘Thank you for all your hard work this year. I hope you are able to find time to relax. Here is my favorite popcorn mix which I thought your family would enjoy.’ Our children loved the popcorn.

Gifts whether for personal or work occasions are more impactful and memorable when they come with a personal message and are thoughtful in nature.