When we were young, the holidays were all about the magic and excitement of receiving. We waited eagerly for gifts from parents, family, and maybe a certain jolly man with a long white beard.
But as adults, that magic and excitement around the holidays shifts. Many of us get more joy out of giving gifts than receiving them. Why is that?
It turns out, there are powerful emotional and psychological reasons behind why giving feels so good - and science can explain it.
4 Reasons Why Giving Gifts Feels Good
1. Gift giving releases feel-good hormones for immediate and long-term happiness and well-being.
Studies have shown that gift giving triggers the brain’s reward system. This releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation, and oxytocin, known as the “bonding” or “love” hormone. Together, this chemical reaction creates that warm, fuzzy feeling you get after someone has opened your gift. But that’s not all - gift giving also releases serotonin, which contributes to a longer-lasting sense of emotional well-being and contentment after giving.
2. Gift giving directs focus away from the self.
Giving requires thought and consideration to be dedicated to others, which can pull us out of negative headspaces that often stem from too much focus on the self (career goal stressors, life benchmark pressures, feelings of loneliness, etc.). When preparing and giving gifts, we’re not only focused on someone outside of ourselves, we’re also taking productive action for a good cause - another great way to get out of our own heads.
3. Gift giving strengthens social bonds.
On a chemical level, we now know that gift giving triggers the release of the “bonding” hormone oxytocin. But on a social level, gift giving also physically signals to the person you’re giving a present to that they matter to you and that you’ve taken the time and effort to find a thoughtful gift for them. This further strengthens bonds between friends, family members, and significant others. And guess what? That triggers the release of more serotonin for sustained mental well-being.
4. Gift giving increases confidence in social settings.
Though you might not be directly thinking about it, successful gift-giving builds confidence in social settings. It affirms the gift giver’s understanding of people’s wants and needs. And the chemical and emotional bonds strengthened from gift-giving discussed earlier also contributes to improved confidence and sense of belonging in social settings.
Gift-giving is, well, the gift that keeps on giving. So as you dive into holiday shopping this season - something that can be stressful at times - remember that giving doesn’t just make others happy. It boosts your own well-being, too. And if you’re looking for comfort-forward gifts to share that feel-good energy, explore our JisuLife fans made for comfort and relaxation anytime, anywhere.