The Psychology of Gift-Giving

What does a ring, an antique window frame, a purple bicycle, as well as a porcelain teapot, a jigsaw, a flat iron, instant ramen, and an espresso maker share in common? The answer is that these are all presents that the respondents to a field survey that was not scientifically sound claimed were among the best or worst gifts they'd received in their lives.

Suppose you had to determine the items that were loved by everyone and which were not. Highly resentful, you'd probably be astonished that the diamond earrings failed in part because the person who gave them had no idea that the person who received the gift, the girl he had been with for three years, didn't have pierced ears.

Ramen in an instant, however, was a big hit because the flavour, which was spicy miso, wasn't easily available, and the mum of the recipient, aware that her son was obsessed with it, scoured the internet for them.

When it comes to giving gifts, context plays a major role

Although influencers, marketers, and numerous holiday gift guides may suggest that a gift is a hit or a disaster, it is less dependent on price and more on style, design, or even practicality.

The best gifts demonstrate that you've paid attention to them. Poor gifts can make you wonder whether the person who gave it to you knows it even exists - such as the china teapot with a floral design by a mother-in-law to a daughter-in-law whose tastes were between mid-century and modern, and who (she believed) stated that she prefers to brew her tea in a mug.

Worse are gifts that are a sign of critique

Like a hair straightener iron with a flat surface that was gifted by a different mother-in-law to her daughter-in-law who happened to love the fact that she had curly hair. But for you to present excellent gifts, it is essential to develop the ability to be able to take a step back and truly observe people's interests, personalities, tastes, and preferences.

Take note of the topics that bring joy and excitement to those who are on your list of gifts. Take a look at the objects they keep in their offices and homes, as well as their clothes and the colours they prefer and the things they take photos of, and also what they love to each and drink. If they enjoy exotic cocktails, for instance, you could be awed by the use of LED swizzle sticks or taking a private mixology class.

Learn not just about people's happiness and joys but also their burdens and frustrations. Think of things that could ease the burdens and stresses. If they complain about not having enough time to do things, avoid things that take a lot of time, such as jigsaw puzzles or books with 1,000 pages. Instead, think of ways to save time, like the use of a robot vacuum and hiring someone else to repair the things in the home that the receiver isn't able to handle.

Sentimental gifts are the most significant

You can ask the 53-year-old woman who was overwhelmed by a beautiful purple bicycle and an enormous bow that was given to her by her husband, who knew the fact that her childhood poverty had deprived her of these fun-filled pleasures.

The best option for giving gifts could be conducting your own not-so-scientific survey. Have your friends and family talk about the most memorable and most disappointing gifts they have received in the past. It is not just about learning the kind of gifts that truly affected or even deeply damaged them, but if you take the time to listen, you'll also gain a deeper understanding of their values, love languages, and attachment ways. These conversations will help to strengthen your relationships and can be a blessing to itself.

About the Author: Rachel R. Hill

A determined researcher and a skilled creative writer Rachel has found enormous satisfaction in sharing her expertise and expertise with other people. Being an assistant to the department permits her to remain close to students and always be available to assist or listen. The present, Rachel has become one of the authors of Study Crumb, get more info here.