Lagniappe - That Little Something Extra
From Giftypedia
Lagniappe
Pronunciation: ˈlan-ˌyap For a sound file of this word, see the Cajun French-English Glossary of Louisiana State University[1]
Meaning
What is lagniappe? It's a gift.
lagniappe (n.) Something extra given at no cost; a bonus. [From the Spanish " la ñapa" meaning "something extra,"]
History of Lagniappe
The tradition of lagniappe was passed down from Creole families, those descended from French or Spanish settlers. Once customary to ask for a "yapa" (a gift) when making a purchase, the merchant would usually respond by throwing in a little something extra. An old custom, it is still widely practiced today in Louisiana. It is the equivalent of the thirteenth roll in a "baker's dozen."
This gift tradition has carried over into our business practices. Establishments reward their customers with trivial gifts - particularly for large purchases or repeat customers. Many merchants and banks offer free gifts to those who open accounts with them.
Using Lagniappe to Coordinate Your Gift Ideas
It is not surprising, that the lagniappe tradition of giving something extra has found its way into the repertoire of the creative gift givers. In an effort to add a more personal touch to gift-giving, many gift givers are giving a little something extra along with their gift. This unexpected attention to detail highlights their creativity and truly delights their recipient.
- If you are giving someone a casserole dish for a Wedding or Bridal Shower, add a pair of oven mitts.
- Kitchen Bridal Shower or Housewarming gift of bakeware - add measuring spoons, apron, cookbook,
- If someone's Wedding Registry includes towels, add a fancy bar of soap to the box.
- For the nature lover's Housewarming, when you give them a bird feeder, include a small bag of seed.
- If you are giving cash, put it in a wallet or purse.
- Baby Shower gift of a diaper bag? Add an assortment of baby changing goodies.
- Coffee mug for a co-worker? Add some hot chocolate packets or homemade hot cocoa mix, candy or several Chocolate Dipped Spoons.
- For the Foodie who loves fresh baked bread, give the basket as part of the gift. Homemade cake? Give the cake platter.
- Pillar or jar candles could use a long lighter for easy use.
- When giving a book, add a book light or a bookmark, you can even put your creative skills to work and make a homemade bookmark.
- For a frugal or practical gift, give a bag of nuts and include a nutcracker or a Sun Tea Jar along with tea bags and a tea brewing accessory.
- Handyman Shower? Add some tools to the toolbox or a tool apron. Be creative! It might just become that "special" box of tools!
Give The Unexpected!
Remember, for lagniappe to be most effective, it must be unexpected. The surprise of finding out that there is more always creates excitement and will leave your recipient with that warm fuzzy feeling. Plus, by adding that little something extra, your gift presentation will be enhanced because "presentation is everything!"
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