My Mother (whom I lost a year and a half ago) had a lovely little card she would give with her gifts. I don't know where it originated, but it was attributed to Jane Merchant. It said:
Whatever gift I give to you is always yours.
Give it away of keep it as you will.
The special books, the china miniatures,
The little birds carved with beguiling skill --
I shall not peer about your house to see
If they are dusted well and duly shown
To visitors, as treasured things may be
I made a gift of them and not a loan.
I know that even gifts sincerely loved,
Both for themselves and for the giver's sake,
Have in life's many changes often proved
A burden; be relieved of the mistake
Of thinking you must keep a gift I give
(Except my love) as long as you shall live.
I think that my Mom was a very wise and noble lady.