Which gifts are we really looking forward to?
What should I give? Every year we get stressed during the Advent season because we are under pressure to find the right gifts for family and friends. Because nothing is worse than disappointed faces under the Christmas tree. The colleagues of Spektrum der Wissenschaft have put together a few tips from the psychological research that can help in deciding on a gift.
1. The price is not decisive
The good news first: It does not depend on the price of the gift. That's what researchers from Stanford University found out. According to the results of the study, people do not automatically enjoy themselves anymore because a gift was especially expensive. To circumvent the gift stress, the scientists advise to set a limit in advance so that gifts are not too expensive.
2. Practical is better than useless
Creative gifts are always well received. We think. Because as a donor we have thought a lot about what someone could look forward to. But before we commit the mistake of giving something that is not useful in the end, we should rather rely on reliability. And that means quite literally: it has to be practical!
That's what researchers from Yale University found out. So rather put on a 0815 coupon, as a special gift. Also interesting: The price (see point 1) plays a major role, especially among the donors. The recipients do not worry about how expensive something was and how much work went into the selection of the gift. For them, the only thing that counts is: Can I use the gift in everyday life?
3. The thought alone does not count
Two researchers from the University of Singapore and the University of Chicago have explored the question of whether it is the idea behind gifts that counts. The answer: Unfortunately, it does not depend on the goodwill and thoughts that the donor has made. Only when really bad presents the good will still plays a role - but especially with people who are close.
To see the goodwill behind something, we need a reason for the researchers. So if a person close to us gives us something terrible, we open it up with the good will.
4. fulfill wishes
How do I find the best gift? Just ask what someone wants. Because not only children are happy when they find a gift from their wish list under the Christmas tree. Even adults have desires that want to be fulfilled - and in the end makes the wish present more joy than a surprise. This is also confirmed by an experiment by Harvard University. For contrary to the assumption, people measure a wish gift of the giver - even though he did not have to worry about what he is giving.
5. A complicated packaging may disappoint
What belongs to a real present? Exactly, the packaging. Investigations prove that a gift will only become a real gift if nicely packaged. Simple gifts can be enhanced by a pretty packaging. But beware! The packaging ambition should be limited. That's what researchers Nathan Novemsky from Yale University says. His research shows that packaging is sometimes better than costly. The reason: A lavishly wrapped gift arouses expectations of the present. If it can not meet these expectations, the disappointment is particularly great.
