For many people, giving and receiving gifts is a form of love. Birthdays, religious celebrations and other events that call for the exchange of gifts are some of the most celebrated occasions on the calendar.
According to Curious History, gift-giving is one of the oldest human activities, even pre-dating civilization. Whether in the form of an oddly shaped rock, colorful flowers or lavish items, gifts have always been a form of expression — a way to show love and affection. The experience of gift-giving that many hold close — to give without expecting something in return — helps create mutual benefits, foster closer connections and encourage kindness in the world.
Gift-giving promotes gratitude on both ends. The giver shows their appreciation by taking the time to either choose or make a gift, and the receiver often feels seen, even if the gift is a simple token. Giving to others rather than focusing only on oneself is proven to provide a greater satisfaction.
This idea is demonstrated by the American Psychological Association, where a group of 46 undergraduate students at the University of British Columbia were assigned randomly to an option: Either spend $5 to $20 dollars on themselves or on another person. At the end of the experiment, it was reported that participants who had been randomly assigned to spend money on others expressed greater happiness after the task was completed.
As a result of the study, the APA suggested that gift-giving contributes positively to an individual’s psychological workings, stating that an act of generosity creates a greater interaction between two parts of the brain: One responsible for processing social information and the other for feeling pleasure. According to APA, when giving a gift, one experiences “feel-good feelings” through the release of oxytocin from the brain. Unlike the temporary rush of dopamine released from the feeling of winning an award or the lottery, oxytocin is known to fuel longer lasting feelings of reward and happiness.
From another perspective, giving is one of the tenets of many religions. Engraved in several holy scriptures, it can be interpreted in many forms, including receiving good karma, practicing worship and showing gratitude. Many also associate giving with helping and supporting others, suggesting that exchanging gifts may carry a similar weight, kindling feelings of warmth and kinship.
One concern for gift givers lies in the cost of purchasing gifts. The financial aspect of buying items may intimidate many well- wishers. However, these pressures may be unnecessary. In a Vistaprint survey conducted in 2019 by OnePoll, which was taken by 2000 Americans, 62% of respondents preferred a homemade or heartfelt personalized gift over something generic and store-bought. 66% of all participants also shared that they would remember a homemade gift much longer, and 40% said that they would try to keep and treasure it forever.
It is likely that much of the anxieties surrounding gift-giving are based on a giver’s own personal expectations and worries. The statistics show that gift-giving does not have to be lavish or extreme. It can be as simple as turning an everyday hobby — such as knitting, painting or baking — into a form that someone else will treasure.
Gifting doesn’t have to follow the most popular social media trend or become a show of extravagance. Instead, it can be in any form one chooses. It can involve acquaintances and co-workers, or just a few close friends. Just as love is expressed in different ways, gifting is another voice from the heart, allowing individuals to express themselves in ways where words may fail. While it is easy to get swept away by smaller worries, it is important to see gift-giving for what it is — a positive part of human society that continues to promote love and kindness.
