In many human societies, the edict of mutually exchanging money, goods, etc. may contribute to social cohesion. Economists have elaborated the economics of gift-giving into the notion of a gift economy.

The plant life free in a region affects the choice of material, which in cycle influences the weaving technique. Rattan and other members of the Arecaceae or palm tree family, the emaciated grasses Gourmet Gift Baskets of temperate regions, and broad-leaved tropical bromeliads each assert oneself a antithetic method of twisting and braiding to be made into an effective basket.