Festive Gifting and More...

It’s that time of the year when people’s attention is focused on the festive ritual of gift-giving. Shoppers are rushing about looking for the right gift for the special people in their lives. Gift exchange is a major part of celebrating the festivals like Diwali, Christmas , New Year etc. But do you know the whole act of gift-giving can offer psychological benefits? 

Giving a gift is a universal way to show interest, appreciation, and gratitude, as well as strengthen bonds with others. Better to give than to receive, gift-giving is also an act of unselfishness and concern for the well-being of others. When we give without expecting anything in return, we are improving our psychological health.

There is an enormous sense of satisfaction when seeing the expression on the face of someone you have given a gift to. A way to express feelings, giving reinforces appreciation and acknowledgement of each other. The feelings expressed mainly depend on the relationship between who gives and who receives.

Many researches have found that although givers tend to think a fancier, expensive gift will be appreciated more; receivers are actually happier with cheaper, more practical presents. Giver might think that things like price and the effort you put into a gift will matter, but the person you are giving it to doesn't see the work that went into it or the price tag, they just have the actual thing to focus on that how it will fit into their life. So it is always better to go for Simple yet practical items for gifting.

Gifts can also bring on feelings of negativity for both the giver and recipient when the gift is much more or much less than they expected. Pretty wrapping raises expectations for a gift and increases the risk of the receiver being disappointed if the present doesn't live up to them.  So it is always better not to overdo the gift wrap.

Although gift-giving can be a destressor and mood elevator, the hunt for the perfect gift for friends and family can cause a lot of stress. The costs of gifts and what it takes to package them can be a financial burden. After looking into the research around gifting, there is one suggestion for you to follow for good presents to be given during coming festive time! Gift receivers in general are much happier when they are given exactly what they asked for rather than something 'thoughtful' that wasn't on their list. So ask what the person wants and gift it to them. You may feel by doing this the surprise element is lost. But actually it is far more satisfying for the person who receives the gift.

Psychologists aren’t the only ones who understand the mental and emotional benefits of gift-giving. The festive season is also a big time for advertisers to tap into the feelings of consumers in an effort to get them to buy products. It seems as if festive advertising arrives earlier every year. Whether it’s through television commercials and shopping websites filled with music and graphics or store displays offering festive cheer, consumers can’t escape holiday advertising.