Gifts don't always have to be particularly elaborate or spectacular.
A study now shows that practical things are also well received.
The next birthday is coming up, the wedding is getting closer or the first baby party is just around the corner.
Everything is planned, only one thing is missing: the gift.
For some, the mere thought of finding the right gift triggers stress.
But it doesn't have to be.
Scientists from Indiana University Bloomington have now discovered which gifts make us happiest.
Gifts: Study shows which gifts we are most happy about
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Finding the right gift is often not easy.
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Professionals are so observant that they listen carefully all year round after the past birthday, secretly noting every wish the other person has.
Anyone who can do that has already made it into the gifts Olympus.
But not everyone has to be so organized, because beautiful and valuable gifts can also be found shortly before the birthday or the celebrations.
The most important thing when looking for a gift is actually obvious, but it is difficult for many people: According to the study mentioned above, givers have to put themselves in the position of the recipient.
Only if we can imagine what the other person might like can the gift really be a success.
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Gifts: Motivation gets in the way
However, it often happens that we have difficulty imagining which gift the other person would really appreciate.
This is also because our gift motivation sometimes gets in the way.
Because according to the study, many people are mainly concerned with the moment of giving and the reaction of the other person to the gift selection.
Whether the gift then fulfills a meaning and purpose for a longer period of time is mostly irrelevant.
Sustainably reduce stress – with proven relaxation techniques
Sustainably reduce stress – with proven relaxation techniques
But if you want to optimize your gift shopping in the future, you can stick to the results of the study.
They say that most respondents were less happy about surprises than about practical and meaningful gifts.
Translated, this means that it should be the teapot rather than the surprise party, for example.
Of course, this does not always apply to everyone.
In any case, it's worth thinking about whether the next gift might be something sustainable and useful over a longer period of time.
List of rubrics: © Westend61/Imago
