The psychology of gift giving

The secret symbolism of Christmas presents
With Christmas fast approaching you may feel as if your ‘to buy for’ list keeps getting longer; and that finding the right gift for everyone can be a challenging task. Our friends at Activity Superstore have released an interesting article on the psychology and history behind gift giving. It looks at how the gifts we choose and the way in which we present them communicates so much about us, our feelings towards the receiver, and the complex social structures within our community.

Why do we give gifts?
Key life events and celebrations such as Christmas, birthdays, weddings or anniversaries stand out as the occasions when we feel most compelled to give gifts. However, there are other underlying reasons for why we might choose to do so.

To build relationships
Presenting a gift to another individual can establish or reinforce relationships. According to French sociologist Marcel Mauss, the act of not gifting or rejecting a gift communicates the dismissal of a relationship.

A way of showing love and commitment
Gifts are used to communicate the feelings someone has towards another person. A great example of this is when a man offers flowers to their partners as they are traditionally thought to symbolise feelings of love.

Symbolic communication
Ever heard the saying ‘it’s the thought that counts’? Opening a gift may fill you with happiness, or even disappointed if it wasn’t quite what you would’ve wanted, nonetheless; receiving a present makes you feel something. This is because we attach symbolic meaning to the gifts we give and receive.

To receive something in return
In today’s notion of gifting, there’s often an expectation that this offering will be repaid by receiving something in return. However, it’s essential to get this bit right, as gifting too much or too little can cause embarrassment or hurt feelings.

To help others
On the other hand, we give presents with the knowledge that this gesture won’t be reciprocated, such as to children or our pets. Appreciation for the recipient is the biggest motivator in this type of selfless gifting. Another example of this would be donating to charity, which gives us the feel-good factor.

To find a mate
Animals such as Chimpanzees are known to give gifts as part of the mating ritual, and humans are not much different. A study found that males who gift more generously have a higher success rate of attracting mates compared to females who are more likely to buy gifts for family and friends.

Still not sure what to buy your significant other? Use the gift matrix below to help you make the final decision.

Article by The Activity Superstore https://www.activitysuperstore.com/occasions/psychology-of-gift-giving

Also in Blog

20 thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts and ideas

Taking a day to celebrate your mum, or other caring figures in your life, has never been more important than it is this year. Mother’s Day falls on Sunday the 14^th of March and it’s a perfect excuse to celebrate and thank the loving figures in our lives after a tough year. Whether you are at home or spending Mother’s day apart, there are still so many ways to show you care through gifts or spending time together. Here’s our list of 20 thoughtful Mother’s Day gifts and ideas.

1- Prepare breakfast in bed

What better way to start the day off by preparing breakfast in bed for your mum. It could be as simple as toast and a cup of tea or you could go the extra mile and make pancakes, eggs benedict or even a full English. For more delicious breakfast recipes, checkout this collection from BBC Good Food. For more breakfast goodies, try our Breakfast in bed hamper.

Is Champagne, Prosecco & Cava Vegan?

There are a number of first class Champagnes that can be happily consumed by vegans. Indeed, the majority of Champagnes are vegan, so you certainly shouldn’t have any problem at all finding one to suit your taste and budget. As ever, this information comes with the usual caveat of being correct at the time of writing.

Mother's Day Gift Guide - Hamper Lounge

More than anyone, mothers deserve a day to put their feet up and be completely pampered by everyone else in their lives for once. And what’s a better pampering treat than a breakfast in bed? This hamper has pretty much everything you need for a blissful morning in bed. With delectable reserves by the English Cream Tea Company, Organic Coffee by The Little Coffee Bag Company, honey, tea and shortbread, this hamper is guaranteed to transport her to breakfast heaven this Mother’s Day morning.