Summary: 6 Ways to Give Better Gifts – Based on Science by Angela Haupt

• Unwrap the secrets to perfect gift-giving with Angela Haupt’s “6 Ways to Give Better Gifts—Based on Science.”
• Elevate your gift-giving game and spread joy more effectively—continue reading to learn how science can guide your next present.

Recommendation

During the holiday season, many people stress out about choosing gifts for their nearest and dearest. Angela Haupt, an editor at Time magazine, has done some of the heavy lifting for you. Through interviews with experts in the field of gift-giving, she learned the most common mistakes people make when giving gifts, as well as the types of gifts that recipients enjoy most. Ultimately, the aim of giving gifts is to bring happiness to your loved ones. Insights from gift-giving research can help you achieve that, explains Haupt.

Take-Aways

• Opt for sentimental gifts instead of catering to the recipient’s specific interests.
• Don’t go overboard on personalization.
• Be cognizant that, once the delightful moment of unwrapping has passed, the recipient is stuck with your gift.
• Experiential gifts build deeper bonds than material gifts.
• Focus on the recipient’s needs rather than your own.
• A special gift needn’t be unique.

Summary

Opt for sentimental gifts instead of catering to the recipient’s specific interests.

The act of gift-giving has a significant impact on relationships. According to Julian Givi, an assistant marketing professor and author of numerous gift-giving studies, gifting can bring people together or drive a wedge between them, so it’s important to get the custom right.

“It’s hard to go wrong with something sentimental, and recipients really do want these gifts – even more so than whatever ostensibly aligns with their interests.”

Most gifts people receive end up in a “black hole of forgotten belongings,” but if you give a gift with sentimental value to the recipient, they’re more likely to treasure it. While people usually choose a gift that they believe aligns with the recipient’s tastes and preferences – for example, a jersey from a favorite sports team – Givi’s research indicates that people are more likely to cherish sentimental gifts that help them feel connected to loved ones and life events – for instance, a photo album filled with carefully curated pictures.

Don’t go overboard on personalization.

When you fixate on aligning gifts with recipients’ interests, you risk overloading them with items they won’t use. For example, imagine telling your friends that you love cats, only to receive an abundance of cat-related items. Robyn LeBoeuf, a gift-giving researcher and marketing professor, explains that by catering to your specific interest, your friends are simply trying to show you that they’re paying attention and know what you like. But at some point, you’re probably going to want to say, “Enough with the cat stuff already.”

Be cognizant that, once the delightful moment of unwrapping has passed, the recipient is stuck with your gift.

Gift-givers frequently make the mistake of aiming for a “wow” moment, in which the recipient reacts with stunned ecstasy and delight upon receiving your amazing gift, unable to believe their incredible luck. Research shows that giving gifts with the explicit hope of triggering a big reaction that affirms your identity as a good gift giver may backfire: People don’t always need your version of the biggest, best, fanciest thing, and your gift may not align with their actual needs.

“Research indicates that, rather than striving for a big reaction, we should focus on what will ultimately provide the most utility or long-term enjoyment.”

Instead, try to imagine what the recipient might need after the holidays are over. If you decide to give, say, a gift card to a restaurant, consider that your recipient might prefer the comfort of a favorite local eatery as opposed to the most upscale restaurant in your area. Focus on giving gifts that people will enjoy using.

Experiential gifts build deeper bonds than material gifts.

If you want to strengthen your relationship with the recipient, research shows that experiential gifts trump material gifts. According to Cassie Mogilner Holmes, a professor at UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, people feel more connected to gift-givers when they receive experiential gifts than when they receive material goods, regardless of whether the giver is present during the experience. This is because people think of you when they’re enjoying the experience you’ve gifted them, and they associate the new memory with you.

“You’ve heard this debate before: things versus experiences. It turns out that experiential gifts are better at strengthening relationships than material ones.”

You can turn a material item into an experiential gift by including a personal note to explain what you want the gift to achieve. If you gift, say, a mug, write a note that you want the recipient to relax and unwind with a coffee each morning. Or consider leaving a special message inside a book, explaining what you hope the recipient will enjoy most about the reading experience.

Focus on the recipient’s needs rather than your own.

Research suggests that people avoid giving gifts that the giver already owns to avoid devaluing the uniqueness of the giver’s belongings. However, if an item has given you long-term enjoyment, resist the selfish temptation to keep it for yourself. Don’t hesitate to buy someone an identical version of your favorite possession if you feel they would derive enjoyment from it too.

A special gift needn’t be unique.

Ultimately, when you’re choosing gifts, you should try to empathize with the recipient and imagine what they would choose themselves. Also, don’t be afraid to buy multiple people the same thing, if you genuinely believe it’s a good gift that more than one of the recipients on your list will enjoy. It’s OK to make things easier for yourself by buying duplicates of the same gift. Not every gift has to be one of a kind; it just has to maximize the recipient’s happiness.

About the Author

Angela Haupt is a health and wellness editor at Time magazine. She focuses on happiness and “actionable ways to live well.”

Genres

Nonfiction, Psychology, Self-Help, Sociology, Consumer Behavior, Personal Development, Lifestyle, Relationships, Social Science, Guide

Review

“6 Ways to Give Better Gifts—Based on Science” by Angela Haupt is an insightful article that delves into the psychology and research behind effective gift-giving. The author, Angela Haupt, shares her personal anecdotes and experiences with gift-giving, alongside scientific findings that can help readers improve their gift-giving strategies.

The article outlines six key tips based on research to enhance the gift-giving experience:

1. Embrace the Sentimental: Sentimental gifts that remind recipients of special events and relationships are often cherished for years, even though they may seem like a risk.
2. Think Beyond the Moment of Exchange: Consider how the gift will be used and appreciated in the long run, rather than just the initial reaction upon receiving it.
3. Go All In on Experiences: Experiential gifts, such as concert tickets or a hosted dinner, can make recipients feel closer to the giver and are remembered fondly.
4. Try Not to Be Selfish: Avoid giving gifts that are more about your own interests or preferences rather than the recipient’s.
5. Make Things Easier on Yourself: Don’t overcomplicate the process; sometimes, simpler gifts can be just as meaningful.
6. Don’t Overdo the Personalization: While personalization can make a gift feel special, too much of it can come across as overwhelming or miss the mark.

Haupt’s writing is engaging and relatable, making the science of gift-giving accessible to a wide audience. The article is not only informative but also practical, providing readers with actionable advice that can be applied to their own gift-giving practices. It’s a valuable read for anyone looking to give more thoughtful and appreciated gifts.