When purchasing an item at a local store over the Christmas season a few months ago I was asked whether or not I wanted a gift receipt with my purchase. The thought struck me that if I included a gift receipt with my gift it would be like saying to the person- “I doubt you will really like this anyway, but here, take the credit and go get something you really want.” This is a type of 'plan B' approach to gift giving that also permeates the rest of our society as well.

Take for instance the...