In the grand stage of life, where we exchange gifts as tokens of love, friendship, or sometimes just to avoid awkward silences, the art of gift-giving often feels like a theatrical performance. Sometimes you ask yourself How to be a better gift giver? Will your gift be met with a standing ovation? or will it prompt the awkward “thanks, I guess”?
Fear not, aspiring gift virtuosos, for we are about to embark on a journey to unravel the secrets of being a gift-giving maestro.
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How to Become a Better Gift Giver Researched by Science
Giving gifts is an important art and science that many of us are ignorant of. The creative ways of choosing, preparing, and presenting a gift is what makes it art. The science is in executing all of this process in a way that better fulfills the goal of making the recipient happy.
But, what? Science?
Yes! According to Michael Norton, PhD, a professor of business administration at Harvard Business School in Boston, social connection plays a major role in our happiness and well-being, and giving gifts can strengthen the bonds that are meaningful to us.
The main line, according to Norton, is that when done with some ultimate tips of how to be a better gift giver correctly, giving gifts strengthens the bond between you and the recipient by demonstrating your understanding and concern for them.
Today, based on science results, we provide you 4 ways of how to be a better gift-giver you can find below.
How Far Should We Think about Gift-giving?
The most thoughtful gift givers consider it all year long. Things frequently cross your mind or appear to you at an off-times. But sometimes it might be too late, leaving you to hastily choose a gift in the store on the way home!
Keeping a note about important days or occasions on a smartphone is a suggested way of how to be a better gift giver. Four to six weeks is a good lead time to prepare the best presents and wishes for birthdays or Christmas for folks who aren’t very forward-thinking. Consider giving yourself more time because custom products might take longer and there are a ton of amazing things that are available right now at really affordable pricing.
Waiting until the last minute is not a good way of how to be a better gift-giver, your alternatives are restricted because a lot of items these days need to be shipped. After that, you are limited to what is available in your area. You’re out of time and have to choose something that is physically available instead of something deliberate and significant because you are out of time.
4 Ways of How to be a Better Gift Giver
It’s time to find out all the ways of becoming a great gift giver, creating unique bespoke gifts for our beloved ones. And surprises, help comes from an unexpected source: science research. Here are 4 tips which are figured out by scientists making you an expert in gift-giving!
Know Your Recipient
To become a better gift giver, the first step is understanding your recipients. Are you choosing unique gift for a friend or family member? Then, knowing their preferences, interests, and personality is fundamental before selecting a gift for them. By taking the time to understand these aspects, you can ensure that the gift you choose is tailored to their unique tastes, making it more likely that they will appreciate and enjoy it.
There are some ways for becoming better gift giver by understanding the recipient in advance:
- Pay attention to their interests and hobbies: By knowing what the receivers enjoy, you can find the direction of how to be a better gift giver, by selecting a gift that aligns with their passions.
- Consider recipients’ personality and style: A thoughtful gift that reflects their unique tastes and preferences will show that you truly understand and appreciate them. Additionally, think about how the gift will fit into their daily life and enhance their experiences.
- Take note: Any hints or comments they may have made about things they need or want can be useful information for you in the journey of how to be better gift givers. This can help you avoid giving them something they won’t appreciate and allows you to find a gift that caters to their specific preferences, making it more likely to be a hit.
Consider the Occasion
Tailor your gift to specific occasions, such as: birthday, friendship anniversary, wedding, Christmas, etc. By this way, you not only demonstrate your thoughtfulness but also make it more meaningful and memorable for the recipient. For example:
- Birthday gift: If you’re asking how to be a better gift giver on someone’s birthday, you could consider the recipient’s hobbies or interests and choose something that aligns with their personal preferences.
- Wedding present: You might want to consider something that will be useful for the couple as they start their new life together, such as kitchen appliances or home decor items.
- Christmas gifts: You can opt for festive-themed items or personalized gifts that reflect the recipient’s personality or interests. You can think of cozy holiday-themed blankets, festive ornaments, or even a set of mugs adorned with seasonal cheer.
Go All in on Experiences
The most controversial debate ever before: things vs. experience. We discover that experiential presents are appreciated for our guide on how to be a better gift giver, rather than physical items. Experiential gifts offer a departure from the fleeting enjoyment of material possessions, then create enduring memories that linger in the hearts and minds of recipients.
You can consider some recommended experience gifts:
- Concert or Event Tickets: Gift tickets to a concert, live performance, or sports event featuring the recipient’s favorite artist or team. This provides an opportunity for a memorable and shared experience.
- Culinary Experience: Consider a cooking class, food tour, or a reservation at a unique restaurant. Culinary experiences allow the recipient to indulge in delightful flavors and learn new skills.
- Outdoor Adventure: Plan an outdoor adventure such as a hiking trip, hot air balloon ride, or a weekend camping getaway. Nature-based experiences offer relaxation and a break from routine.
- Spa Day or Wellness Retreat: Treat your loved one to a spa day or a wellness retreat. These experiences provide relaxation, rejuvenation, and a break from the stresses of daily life.
Balance Sentimentality and Practicality
When selecting a gift, a good gift giver will find the delicate equilibrium between sentimentality and practicality. The ultimate key of how to be a better gift giver is that it can result in a present that is not only appreciated but also seamlessly integrates into the recipient’s life.
A gift infused with sentimental value carries emotional weight, creating a lasting connection between the giver and receiver. However, the practical aspect should not be overlooked. A gift that aligns with the recipient’s daily life and needs demonstrates thoughtful consideration.
Consider their lifestyle, preferences, and routines when making your selection. Whether it’s a kitchen gadget that simplifies cooking, a stylish yet functional accessory, or a tool that enhances productivity, the practicality of the gift ensures it serves a purpose beyond mere sentiment.
Conclusion
We’ve uncovered the secrets of how to be a better gift giver. Now, armed with newfound knowledge, it’s time to bid farewell to lackluster gifts and embrace the applause-worthy act of thoughtful giving. May your presents be met with gasps of delight, fits of laughter, and the occasional!