Lessons
PocketSign
PocketSign

How to Sign "Gifts"

To sign "gifts", begin by forming both hands into "X" shapes. You can do this by making loose fists and bending your index fingers into hooks. Hold both hands in front of your chest with your palms facing each other. Next, move both hands forward and slightly downward at the same time. The motion should look exactly as if you are holding a small present and extending your arms to hand it to someone else.

Examples Using "Gifts" in a Sentence

1

I bought gifts for my family.

To sign this, start by pointing to yourself for 'I', sign 'buy', and then use the forward motion of the 'X' hands for 'gifts'. Finish by signing 'family' to complete the thought.

2

She loves opening gifts.

Begin by pointing to the person for 'she', sign 'love', and then sign 'gifts' using the 'X' handshapes. Follow this up with the sign for 'open', mimicking lifting the lid off a box.

3

We exchanged gifts at the party.

Sign 'we', then sign 'gifts' by moving your 'X' hands forward. To show the exchange, you can modify the movement to show giving and receiving, followed by the sign for 'party'.

How to Sign "Gifts"
To sign "gifts", begin by forming both hands into "X" shapes. You can do this by making loose fists and bending your index fingers into hooks. Hold both hands in front of your chest with your palms facing each other. Next, move both hands forward and slightly downward at the same time. The motion should look exactly as if you are holding a small present and extending your arms to hand it to someone else.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
The sign for 'gifts' is highly iconic and rooted in the physical action of giving. The 'X' handshapes visually represent a person's hands grasping the edges of a small box, package, or the ribbon tied around a present. The forward movement directly mimics the real-world action of extending your arms to hand that present over to someone else. This visual logic makes the sign very intuitive for beginners to remember and execute correctly.
Signing Tips
When signing 'gifts', focus on the crisp, deliberate movement of your hands. The 'X' handshape should be very clear, with your index fingers hooked and your other fingers tucked neatly away. The forward motion should mimic the physical act of presenting a box or item to another person. Keep your facial expression pleasant and matching the context of giving a present. Ensure your palms remain facing each other throughout the entire movement to keep the sign accurate and easy to understand.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is using flat hands instead of the hooked 'X' handshape. Using flat hands can easily confuse the sign with 'offer', 'suggest', or 'serve'. Additionally, make sure both hands move forward simultaneously. Moving them one at a time or alternating them changes the meaning entirely and makes the sign look messy. Finally, avoid making the movement too large or exaggerated; keep the motion contained comfortably in front of your chest.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Gifts" in a Sentence
1

I bought gifts for my family.

To sign this, start by pointing to yourself for 'I', sign 'buy', and then use the forward motion of the 'X' hands for 'gifts'. Finish by signing 'family' to complete the thought.

2

She loves opening gifts.

Begin by pointing to the person for 'she', sign 'love', and then sign 'gifts' using the 'X' handshapes. Follow this up with the sign for 'open', mimicking lifting the lid off a box.

3

We exchanged gifts at the party.

Sign 'we', then sign 'gifts' by moving your 'X' hands forward. To show the exchange, you can modify the movement to show giving and receiving, followed by the sign for 'party'.

Frequently Asked Questions
Is the sign for 'gift' the same as 'give'?

They are very closely related and use the exact same 'X' handshape. However, 'gift' as a noun often uses a slightly smaller, sometimes repeated double movement. 'Give' as a verb is directional, meaning you move the sign toward whoever is receiving the item.

How do I show that there are multiple 'gifts'?

To indicate the plural form 'gifts', you can sign 'gift' and repeat the forward motion slightly to the right or left. This spatial repetition visually demonstrates that there are multiple presents being given or displayed.

Can I use this sign to mean a natural talent or 'gift'?

No, this specific sign is strictly used for physical presents or tangible items you hand to someone. If you want to express that someone has a 'gift' in terms of a natural talent, you would use the ASL sign for 'skill', 'talent', or 'expert'.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!