By Phoebe GriffithsSeeing the face of someone you care about light up from your thoughtful gift-giving is an undeniably delicious feeling, and perhaps one like no other. But why?
Give a special gift and you’ll release more oxytocin than when you receive one
It’s true! A group experiment in 2006 found that participants who gifted to others received more feel-good happy hits than those who didn’t. Plus, their brain lit up with extra bonding benefits.
So, try and swap your gift list for Santa for a well-thought-out list of gifts for your favourite people! Your brain (and your loved ones) will thank you for it!
Gift a painting workshop and spark some smiles
“Great evening. I bought the experience for my mum and myself as part of my mum's Christmas present. She loved it and so did I. I didn't realise we could actually paint!” – Angela Guningham, Paint and Sip Class with Brush Party
It doesn’t stop there – the more heartfelt the gift-giving, the greater the benefits
Did you know that hurriedly grabbing a last-minute box of chocolates has a lesser feel-good effect on the brain than thoughtfully selecting the perfect pressie. This is because it’s the thinking of others that makes you feel good.
The American Scientist Journal found that thinking of others, as opposed to thinking about yourself, can help combat stress. You read that right – you could say goodbye to the Christmas chaos by simply turning your thoughts to others. In fact, they even found that a spot of unselfish love and a dollop of kindness can even help take the place of your bad mood.
Why not gift a crafty experience and inspire a new hobby?
“It was like an early Christmas present! My son had a great time and has continued to enjoy the craft at home.” – Elizabeth Collins, Kids Christmas Card Making Workshop, HobbyCraft
Guess what? Your loved ones will prefer sharing their thoughtful gifts with you!
Could quality time be the greatest gift of all? Well, there’s research to prove that is quite possibly the case.
Polman and Maglio (2017) found in their study that when someone gifts something that they’ve also bought for themselves and the gift is shared, the giftee is found to report liking their pressie a lot more – as well as feeling closer to the gift-giver!
Why not gift a festive craft class and share some seasonal joy?
“I bought this as a present for my two adult daughters and myself to do together[...] You made three crafters very happy!” – Carole Taylor, Christmas Cloche Making Workshop, HobbyCraft
