Vol 1 . Oct 15, 2025
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Founder’s Welcome
Welcome to our first edition of Gifting News! Thank you to everyone who helped start YBG and continue to share stories and encouragement of the project. This newsletter is a gift to you and a space to share stories, ideas, and inspire how each of us can leave others a little better. In times that can feel busy and divided, gifting reminds us that kindness is still contagious and that small generous acts can quietly change our lives and those around us. Your gift to me is to bookmark the site on your phone (it works like an app) and enjoy the Topics section with your friends.
-Jesse Karras
Gifting Stories
Gifting with kids:
A good friend recently told me she starting gifting with her daughters and it has transformed their relationship. “Gifting has taught me to be more aware and patient with them.” She said that staying curious allows her to learn more about them and feel more part of their emotional lives rather than if they just discuss their homework or school topics. In the past when her daughters would ask questions she would often frame her answers as a parent relating what it was like for her as a child. But gifting allows her to give them the space to think through their unique experiences…
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She likes to start with something like “what have you been up to lately?” and then follows up with questions like “what led you to explore this new hobby?” She said gifting has provides a much richer emotional connection. She also had some delightful conversations with them using the Topics found on the YBG website.
Service workers:
A few months ago another friend told me he hired a mobile windshield service to come out and replace his cracked windshield. Two Haitian men arrived in a nice custom-built van and told him they would text him when they were finished. He then decided talk to them and do some gifting. “How many of these do you do in a day?” he recalls first asking. For the next 40 minutes the three of them had the best conversation while they did the work. At the end of the job they thanked him for making their day and asking about them. They even offered him a friends & family discount. My friend loved sharing with me what he learned about their business and their journey along the way.
Do you have or know of a Gifting story from a curious conversation or compliment that made someone’s day? Tell us about it!
Gifting In The News
We’ve all had those moments in life where things may be weighing on us, and we just need someone to talk to. That’s where Will Norman comes in. He sits at an intersection in Azle, Texas, every weekday to offer a free, non-judgmental ear to those who are struggling.
The Science of Gifting
In a health system where speed often replaces empathy, researchers highlight the life-changing power of listening. Beyond simple questions, values-driven listening—marked by presence, curiosity, and compassion—can transform both patients and providers…. (2025 Texas A&M Study) Read Full Article
Featured Gifter (Nick Karras)
For our first featured Gifter I wanted to give my dad the spotlight. Nick not only provided the initial research and motivation for this project, he loves Gifting and frequenlty tells stories of who he Gifted with and what the learned. He often tells me how good people feel when you stop to take a moment to get to know them.
On a recent trip he went to a restaurant and when went to pay the bill he asked “Do you own the place? How long have you been in business?” which turned into a fun conversation with the owner sharing all sorts of interesting details and giving him recommendations on some hidden gems in the area.
Have someone who deserves some Gifting recognition or is on the Gifting path? Contact us!
Gifting Practice
YBG will be hositing its Second Connection Lab at YOUtopia on Saturday October 18th, in Jacumba CA. We are also trying something new at the event. The Connection Corner will be a fun way for people to practice gifting with each other without a formal event. It entails two chairs and instruction sheet. I would like to do these around town after YOUtopia. If you have an event for us to host a free Connection Lab let us know!
