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How to perfect your gift giving, according to research
Research tells us we're probably not as good at gift giving as we'd like to think. Assistant professor Cindy Chan joined the Rotman Executive Summary podcast to explore the science behind better gift exchanges, how we approach the process asymmetrically, and how presents can actually change - and improve - our relationships. This is an episode you'll definitely want to unwrap ahead of the holidays.
Show notes:
[0:00] How confident are you in your gift-giving game?
[0:55] Meet Cindy Chan, an expert in gifts, experiences and relationships.
[1:15] Social norms make gift giving a complex dance.
[2:49] Gifts play a role in a system of reciprocity in our society and play a part in building an strengthening our relationships.
[3:44] What are the three stages of gift giving?
[5:25] Gift giving is asymmetrical - take gifts given out of guilt.
[6:44] To give better gifts, stick to wishlists.
[7:53] Think about desirability versus feasibility.
[8:30] As a giver, remember the gift isn't about you.
[9:07] To really build or strengthen relationships, give the gift of experiences.
[9:35] The emotions we feel while enjoying that experience is what's socially connecting.
[10:44] Bonus: The giver doesn't even need to participate in the experience for it to work.
[11:20] That being, shared experience that help you learn, grow or experience something new - typically an active experience - are more socially bonding when shared with another individual.
[12:15] Always remember feasibility versus desirability, and keep the recipient's age in mind as well. How people define "happiness" changes as they get older.
[13:00] Ultimately think about what you hope to achieve with the present.
[13:24] "If you're looking to foster relationship with someone, give an experience rather than a material thing. Give an experience that is emotionally evocative to consume. And if you can share that experience with someone, give them something that's active to share so that you can you know, grow together and as a result grow closer together."
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By Rotman School of ManagementResearch tells us we're probably not as good at gift giving as we'd like to think. Assistant professor Cindy Chan joined the Rotman Executive Summary podcast to explore the science behind better gift exchanges, how we approach the process asymmetrically, and how presents can actually change - and improve - our relationships. This is an episode you'll definitely want to unwrap ahead of the holidays.
Show notes:
[0:00] How confident are you in your gift-giving game?
[0:55] Meet Cindy Chan, an expert in gifts, experiences and relationships.
[1:15] Social norms make gift giving a complex dance.
[2:49] Gifts play a role in a system of reciprocity in our society and play a part in building an strengthening our relationships.
[3:44] What are the three stages of gift giving?
[5:25] Gift giving is asymmetrical - take gifts given out of guilt.
[6:44] To give better gifts, stick to wishlists.
[7:53] Think about desirability versus feasibility.
[8:30] As a giver, remember the gift isn't about you.
[9:07] To really build or strengthen relationships, give the gift of experiences.
[9:35] The emotions we feel while enjoying that experience is what's socially connecting.
[10:44] Bonus: The giver doesn't even need to participate in the experience for it to work.
[11:20] That being, shared experience that help you learn, grow or experience something new - typically an active experience - are more socially bonding when shared with another individual.
[12:15] Always remember feasibility versus desirability, and keep the recipient's age in mind as well. How people define "happiness" changes as they get older.
[13:00] Ultimately think about what you hope to achieve with the present.
[13:24] "If you're looking to foster relationship with someone, give an experience rather than a material thing. Give an experience that is emotionally evocative to consume. And if you can share that experience with someone, give them something that's active to share so that you can you know, grow together and as a result grow closer together."