present

贈 is composed of 貝 (shell) and 曾 (once). 貝 signifies wealth or valuables, while 曾—a pictograph of a multi-tiered steamer pot—carries the sense of layering, stacking, and adding to something. Accumulating wealth and bestowing it as an addition to others led 贈 to represent giving presents, gifting, or offering goods to someone.