The Gift of Giving
Gift-giving is a tradition that dates back to the beginning of humanity. And it will probably never stop. Gifts are a way to form bonds and foster relationships, making them an important part of society. So, why do we give gifts? It turns out that gift giving plays an important role in fostering relationships and promoting positive mental health.
All Wrapped Up
A gift is something material or immaterial voluntarily given to a person, group of people, or entity without expecting anything in return. Giving gifts offer a feel-good way of expressing oneself and celebrating occasions with friends, family and others in our social circles.
Gift giving is a human behavior with evolutionary purpose: it helps people form connections and build communities.
Psychologically, the reason we give gifts is because it makes us feel good! We want to show people that we care about them, and that's why we are willing to spend time and money on thoughtful presents without expecting anything in return (usually!).
Gift giving is a human behavior with evolutionary purpose: it helps people form connections and build communities. This explains it's prevalence across time and cultures, encouraging goodwill between people and strengthening relationships.
Gifts with Benefits
The benefits of giving gifts are numerous— they are as good for the giver as they are for the recipient; this is the core of gifting psychology.
It’s Cool to be Kind
Being kind to others, i.e., through gift-giving, can lead to an increase in your lifespan, energy, feelings of love and happiness; it can even help relieve pain and lower blood pressure.
Researchers at Emory University found that when you do nice things for other people, there is increased activity in the brain’s pleasure and reward center in the same way the brain reacts in as if you were on the receiving end of kindness.
Ties that Bind
Giving to others has been a cornerstone of society that spans across time and cultures. This principle of gift-giving psychology has been essential to humanity, especially when it offered as a sign of respect or gesture of peace.
Whether you're gifting to a lover, sibling, friend or client, giving gifts shows that you value the recipient, which in turn, builds a sense of connection and lasting relationships. Researchers who studied the effects of charitable donations found that the act of giving stimulates the same region of the brain associated with social bonding.
Speaking your Language
Love is an essential component when it comes to the psychology of giving gifts; it can be an effective way of communicating gratitude, showing empathy and expressing the value of someone in your life. Many consider it one of the five primary love languages.
Gift giving is also a thoughtful way to communicate our feelings when we can’t seem find the right words. Whether you want to express your gratitude to those who are important in your life, express affection and heartfelt feelings towards someone you care deeply about, or you simply want to build a stronger bond in a new relationship…there is, as they say, a gift for every ocasion!