There it is in front of me: a box, its edges carefully encased in a glossy white wrapping paper. The exterior is plain and simple—she loves things minimalistic. Inside, an ambient light in the shape of a mystical creature glows her favorite color. There’s a handwritten poem for her too. I’m proud of all the thought that went into it.

To me, Christmas, birthdays, and all the little occasions someone might mark on a calendar as “special” are ideal for small surprises—small bits of my mind that just want to create.It has to be practical—useful yet aesthetically appealing. It has to be personal—something that highlights their importance in my life. Most importantly, it has to be spontaneous and thoughtful—no good gift should ever feel forced. Too many people think of gifts as mere tradition.Gift-giving is an art. There’s a perfect gift for everyone—you just know it when you see it. Whether in a professional environment or a personal one with the friends and family I love, a facial expression tells more than words can describe. The smile that breaks out from the look of surprise—there’s no better indication that my creativity paid off

I’ve always wanted to turn gimmicky ideas into practical realities, not for the purpose of selling, but rather so that I could give a gift nobody else could have given. Windshield wipers for glasses for the friend who lives in rainy Seattle. Camouflaging cloaks for the friend with the strict parents. Maybe, in some distant future, I’ll even create a video animator for bringing to life ideas straight from the imagination of a friend who dreams too much.Perhaps it’s because I grew up in a community that has always given to me—I know how good it feels to receive that surprise, so I try every little thing to recreate that feeling for those around me. Creativity, to me, is not just thinking outside the box.It’s deciding what’s inside it.