Have you ever given someone a gift, and seen the look of horror in their eyes when they don't have anything for you in return?  Often those gifts are the most authentic and happily given and nothing is expected in return, yet instead of being received with joy, they can cause embarrassment.  Have you ever felt badly when you received an unexpected gift?    Often when I ask for gift ideas, the response is that nothing is wanted but time together, and although I know that that answer is a sincere one, I still seem to feel the need to purchase something.  Why?  Many of us in the Western world have so much stuff that we really don't need or want anything more.  I think that the pressure of needing a gift to give because of the cultural / social expectations of the season may take away from the meaning of the occasion.  

Giving is not something that needs to be saved for special occasions. Giving should not cause financial strain or regret on the part of the giver, and it should not create obligation of any kind in the recipient. Often generosity requires practice and a belief in abundance. An exercise to help oneself feel more generous, might be to give something small away every day for a week or two, and notice our feelings around giving. Recognize any discomfort around giving and continue giving despite of the discomfort, and that comfort zone will expand with practice. As you give away to others, you will notice how it comes back to you 100 fold.