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Fancy Gift Wrapping Can Trigger Disappointment or Impress


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Fancy Gift Wrapping Can Trigger Disappointment or Impress

Vidcast:  https://youtu.be/3lZ6g4FQiJk

 

The holidays are ahead, and, if you want your friends and family to enjoy your gift, don’t overdo the wrapping.  Consumer psychologists at the University of Nevada compared the reactions of gift recipients to neatly or sloppily wrapped presents.

 

A beautiful, precise gift wrap for those you know overpromises frequently creates disappointment when what’s inside falls short of the promise.  Better to contain the gift in a bag or more informal wrapping.

 

Different situation if you’re gifting your boss or non-family.  Then, the gift itself is immaterial.   A beautiful wrap communicates organizational skills and how you value the relationship.  A sloppy wrap reflects the opposite.

 

The choice of the gift wrap can be as important as what’s inside.

 

Jessica M. Rixom, Erick M. Mas, Brett A. Rixom. Presentation Matters: The Effect of Wrapping Neatness on Gift Attitudes. Journal of Consumer Psychology, 2019; DOI: 10.1002/jcpy.1140

 

#Gifts #giftwrap #family

Gifts, giftwrap, family

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Dr. Howard Smith ReportsBy Howard G. Smith MD, AM