Have you ever received a gift on Christmas that you didn’t like, even though it was expensive? When this awkward situation arises, people may feel guilty about the amount of money that their loved one has wasted.
When going gift shopping for the people we love might not always be easy. We can be tempted to buy them something expensive because we struggle to identify an obvious gift they would like. So, the dilemma is, should the person buy them something they may enjoy based on their personality or buy them something expensive that they should like.
“That happens way too often with me. As much as I try to remember what my friends or family may like it’s still a struggle,” said Scarlet Nunez, a junior. “I personally handle it by first observing the person. See if they wear jewelry – that’s an option. There’s also starting small conversations, bringing up small topics such as cartoons, television series or movies they like, along with hobbies just make it as blunt as possible. Also, just asking other friends or family of theirs what they may like. It’s still a bit of a challenge but it helps.”
As the saying goes, “money can’t buy happiness.” According to the article “Most Americans Want This Type of Gift for the Holidays,” a study shows that 62 precent of people would rather receive a gift that feels personal and comes from the heart than a lavish item.
Expensive gifts may show a lack of thoughtfulness. If someone brings a more personal gift, it tends to show that they put effort into understanding what matters to the person they’re buying for.
In spite of this, expensive gifts can also be a nice surprise when they aren’t expected.
“I don’t expect expensive gifts but receiving them is always nice,” said Karin Joseph, special education teacher.
It is important to know the person who you are giving a gift to. In the article “Unpacking the Psychology of Gift-Giving” by Kate Murphy, a man gave his girlfriend of three years diamond earrings, but failed to realize that her ears were not pierced. Instead, a cup of instant ramen in a flavor that wasn’t widely available was a more successful and meaningful gift for her.
“I try to get them something that reflects how I know them,” Joseph said. “So, if it’s a coworker, I’ll get them something to put on their desk if it’s a family member I try to get them something they could use.”
People also don’t tend to enjoy being given money for Christmas. In the study performed by SWNS Digital, it was found that only a mere 15 people would enjoy being given a gift card rather than a gift. This isn’t to say that gift cards are bad gifts as there are many people who just thank you for being thoughtful and thinking about them.
“If somebody was thinking enough to buy something for me, I would always feel grateful,” Joseph said.
“I don’t even know what I want anymore and either way, when getting a gift, it makes me happy, it at least means someone’s thinking about me/and or they care about me,” Nunez said. “I’d really take anything because it’s a sweet gesture. Plus, any form of money is good for me, great even. I need it.”
Many people end up wanting to ask their receiver what they wish for, but they also would like to surprise them. One article recommends dropping the surprise factor to focus on getting the receiver something they really do want.
According to Alan Morantz in the article “Why You Shouldn’t Put a Price on a Great Gift,” studies show that people tend to want items they request rather than a thoughtful gift they didn’t ask for.
The next time you’re struggling to pick out a present for someone you love because you don’t know what they need, you might just try asking them.
