Gift is a symbol
It seems to me that a tradition to give gifts existed everlastingly. It is just a daily part of our life that I have never thought about. But wait. There was another tradition and etiquette of presenting gifts. The roots of this tradition are much of interest for me as it is symbolical. But like now, it was a strong rule of the society. The aim of it was to establish and develop a friendly relationship. It was a ritual. Of course, you will be mistaken if you possess very vivid imagination and right after my words you imagine a pen crowned man practicing shamanism at the bright fire. Life is less picturesque.
Giving gifts was a part of communication between different people. Wedding, funeral, visiting, making a deal, establishing peace and many other events in human life were traced with presenting gifts. These gifts could be very expensive or not. But the most important thing was growing friendship. Presents were considered to be an important part of stable social relationships.
Speaking about ancient people, they were very hospitable masters. Even now people define hospitality as one of the most important characteristics of Slavic people. And long time ago it was very important not only to invite a person to the house, but also to give him as many gifts as you can, as many posh goods as you have. It showed not only social position, but also provided good and friendly relationships with other people. Of course, now we are not used to present wonderful dear carpets and breed horses like it was at that time, but the traditions remain and we successfully follow them even in the 21st century.
Perhaps you know that it is usual to give a silver thing (spoon, coin, chain) to a new born baby. This tradition comes from the old times as well. Our ancestors presented silver to babies too. Why silver? At least the Bible says that Holy Baby was given gold presents. Not so quick! Russia is a rich country, but not for gold. That is why silver things were more popular.
In the ancient political sphere (don't mix with the modern political and business life) it was usual to let foreign ambassadors go with posh presents. And they left many good things as well.
Sometimes a present could be an apple of discord. In 1570 Ivan the Terrible decided to make a peace with Lithuania and Poland. The last one was for peace, but Lithuania expected to continue the horrible war. And when Lithuanian ambassador asked for more money for his gift – a wonderful horse, Ivan gave money, but ordered to kill the horse. As a result, the war was prolonged for 12 years.
Personal wars sometimes are even worse than the world wars as quarrelling between close people breaks off long and stable connections. So, present is not a thing to redeem somebody's fault. It is better to ask for forgiveness and then to think about an opportunity to give a present for some occasion. If somebody doesn't wish to receive your present, deny your gift, so, it is better to stop relationships. Anyway it is not worthy to stop giving presents without a definite cause if earlier you had done it regularly.
Of course, now no war is expected even if you present a pen of unusual color to your boss. Anyway we could get round many troubles just knowing simplest rules of giving presents. Communication with the help of gifts is a real masterpiece that you can create with your own hands. We just have to know what we want to tell giving exactly this present.