What does it take to give someone the perfect gift?
Is it an infinite amount of money, or the ability to search for presents all over the world? Does the success of a gift depend on how you present it, or is it something to do with the time and effort that goes into getting that product to the person?
The truth is that it really is the thought that counts. Ultimately, you can spend very little on a present and end up delighting someone so much more than if you had spent thousands of pounds. That’s because gifting is all about psychology.
When we give a gift, we show someone not only that we appreciate and love them, but that we also understand what makes them happy. There are few things better than the knowledge that the people you love really get what makes you, you.
With that in mind, here are three psychology-based tips you can use for better gift giving.
1. Be A Problem Solver
Ultimately, the amount of money you spend on a gift doesn’t matter nearly as much as what that gift can do for the other person. A present doesn’t have to be unique or amazing for it to be special. Most people will fall in love with a gift that solves a common problem in their life. According to studies, people are far more likely to respond positively to a practical gift than anything else.
So, how do you choose a practical gift? It’s easier than you think. All you need to do is pay attention to the kind of things that the people you care about complain about. If you notice that someone is always lamenting the fact that they have to spend a fortune to get a latte each morning, by them a gift that allows them to make their own café drinks at home.
If your friend is always complaining that she can never find a good pen, get them a set of engraved pens that they can keep on their desk, at home, and anywhere else they go throughout the day. The great thing about gifts like these is that they solve a problem, btu they also show that you listen.
2. Look for Long-Term Satisfaction
Have you ever bought an expensive present for a child only to see them completely forget about it a day later? Some gifts are designed to bring more short-term joy than long-term results. For instance, if you’re buying someone a gift for valentines day, then a bouquet of flowers might seem like the obvious choice. However, while those flowers are beautiful and romantic and first, they’ll quickly lose their appeal, and the gift becomes forgettable.
On the other hand, if you choose a gift that the person you’re buying for can enjoy time and time again, you improve your chances of giving something that’s going to stick in their mind for years to come. Think about how you can deliver long-term benefits with each gift.
For instance, rather than buying someone a box of chocolates, get them the fondue set that they can bring out every time they have a movie night with their partner.
3. Give Them What they Ask For
Finally, a gift doesn’t have to be a surprise for it to be meaningful. Many of us assume that we have to think hard to find a present that our loved ones could never predict us getting for them. However, the truth is that some of the best gifts are the ones that we actually ask for. Your friend or loved one is trusting you by telling you something that they really want. According to psychological study, people don’t mind missing out on the surprise part of the gift if it means they get what they want.
The next time you ask someone in your friend or family circle what they want for a present, and they give you some ideas, make a note and actually look into buying those items. It might seem like you’re not being very thoughtful or exciting, but the reality is that you’re listening to what that person really needs and doing what it takes to make them happy.
You might even decide to share lists of what you really want with other members of your family, so you can make gift giving a little easier for everyone. We can all do with a little inspiration at times.
