This study offers a compelling perspective by applying gift theory to pediatric play in healthcare, framing it as a freely given exchange rather than a clinical tool. However, the argument overlooks key power dynamics, as hospitalized children often have limited autonomy in initiating or reciprocating play. Additionally, while the paper critiques the instrumentalization of play, it does not fully address whether therapeutic and intrinsic play experiences can coexist rather than being mutually exclusive. A discussion integrating alternative psychological or developmental frameworks could provide a more nuanced perspective.
Moreover, the study is theoretically rich but lacks empirical validation. There is no evidence from observational studies or qualitative data confirming that children perceive play as a “gift” rather than a structured intervention. Additionally, practical challenges in implementing a gift-based play model, such as hospital constraints, staffing limitations, and safety protocols, are not discussed. Future work could benefit from case studies or real-world applications to bridge the gap between conceptual theory and hospital practice.