There’s nothing more satisfying than giving someone you love the perfect gift. Whether it’s a Christmas gift, a birthday gift, an anniversary gift or just an I’m-thinking-of-you gift, joy and satisfaction always tend to come back to the giver. It’s part of human nature.
Psychologists say it is often the giver, rather than the recipient, who reaps the biggest gains from a gift. The act of giving to others reinforces our feelings for them and makes us feel effective and caring, according to Dr. Ellen Langer, a Harvard psychology professor. Think about the overwhelming sense of satisfaction you feel when you see the recipient of your gift beaming with gratitude.
Not only that, but gift-giving can strengthen bonds with others.
“There is the whole act – determining what needs to be given and making sure it fits with the person,” says Dr. Devin Byrd, associate professor and chair of
