Gift-giving has been a staple of humanity for as long as we can remember. It has been a part of every culture, every generation, and every time period. From the primitive cavemen to the Egyptian pharaohs, gifts were common and used to show love and affection towards one another. Today is no different.
...gift-giving is so rewarding [because] it allows people to connect. The giver of a gift expresses their feelings and emotions by sending a gift with the hope of being able to share these with the receiver of the gift. The receiver of the gift, in turn, receives the feelings and emotions and with this, a connection is made [1].
Giving a gift strengthens our social bonds, expresses our positive feelings to one another, and connects us with the people that matter most. At its core, gift-giving gives the human species a sense of purpose and a feeling of satisfaction.
The do’s of gifting
But although you know why behind gift-giving, many of us haven't been taught how to give a gift and what to get. Listed below are all the don'ts of giving gifts—backed by science—in the modern age.
1. Don't mind the price
Several research papers have shown that gift recipients don't associate the price of the gift with their level of appreciation [1, 2, 3]. Instead, only the giver of the gift thinks that spending more somehow conveys more thoughtfulness or appreciation.
Sometimes the gift that makes us feel the most appreciated is the gift that is homemade, or in other words, free. When picking your next gift, focus on the value (sentimental and otherwise) that the person you're giving to will feel.
2. Don't give money
A few studies have shown that people feel less satisfaction from receiving cash in comparison to actual gifts [1, 2]. Don't fall into this trap.
A well-thought-out gift is almost always more appreciated than cold, hard cash (see research above). If you find yourself short on time during the holidays, consider gifting an object from your house that you think will bring them joy.
The don’ts of gifting
With the don't out of the way, let's get into the dos of gift-giving. In a very real way, the dos of gift-giving are much more important than the don'ts of gift-giving. Almost all of us have been in the uncomfortable position of receiving a gift that, shall we say, wasn't particularly thoughtful. Avoid putting someone else in the same position with these tricks:
1. Focus on the person
Try to pick a gift that:
- Highlights a person's interests and/or passions
- Promotes greater closeness and intimacy
- And/or is useful long-term
By focusing on these three aspects, you can be sure that your gift will be received well, and better yet, be appreciated for years to come [1, 2].
2. Choose a gift that is useful
Useful gifts, which is to say gifts that are used more often, are superior to sentimental gifts for several reasons:
- Because they are useful, the gift recipients are more likely to feel greater appreciation towards you
- Since they are used more often, the recipients are more likely to remember your gift in particular
3. Ask the recipient(s) what they want
When in doubt, ask your gift recipient what they want. Contrary to what you might think, asking them what they want as a gift makes them more appreciative in the end [1]!
Do not wait for the "right time" to give a gift. They are always welcome! With that said, give us the gift of your email. We will update you when this guide is updated.
Gift Ideas
All the gifts below have been ordered so that the ones listed first under each category follow the most up-to-date science. But, the right gift for the person you're thinking about will be on a case-by-case basis!
All of the recommended products have been tested for the price-to-cost ratio as well as longevity by our beta-testers. Please note that each one is an Amazon associate link that helps support these guides. If you have found a better version or another product, be sure to let us know!