We may not always agree, but it seems our brains may be wired in such a way that the joy of giving gifts may actually eclipse the joy of receiving them. After all, what's more satisfying than seeing the smile on someone's face when they unwrap a present you've picked out especially for them?
In "The Gift of the Magi," a classic Christmas story, the author O. Henry writes, “Eight dollars a week or a million a year—what is the difference? A mathematician or a wit would give you the wrong answer….Two foolish children in a flat who most unwisely sacrificed for each other the greatest treasures of their house. But in a last word to the wise of these days let it be said that of all who give gifts these two were the wisest.”
The act of giving may be just as valuable—if not more so—than the actual gift itself
A recent study conducted by a group of psychologists from UC-Santa Barbara suggests that O. Henry may have been more right than he knew. The authors of the study came to the conclusion that “Generosity evolves because, at the ultimate level, it is a high-return cooperative strategy…even in the absence of any apparent potential for gain. Human generosity, far from being a thin veneer of cultural conditioning atop a Machiavellian core, may turn out to be a bedrock feature of human nature.”
What the story and studies mean is that from the neural, to the personal, to the social, giving can have a positive impact on the giver. So why give gifts?
Giving can make you feel good by activating the pleasure centers in your brain. The act of giving can release endorphins, which are hormones that block pain signals from the brain. Endorphins also produce a sense of euphoria and can help reduce stress and anxiety. In addition, giving can also increase levels of oxytocin, a hormone that promotes bonding and attachment. Oxytocin has been shown to increase feelings of empathy, compassion, and generosity.
Giving a gift is also rewarding to the giver in so many ways
When you give to others, it can really boost your own confidence and self-esteem. It feels good to help people, and when you see the difference you're making in someone's life, it can be a great confidence booster. It can also make you feel good about yourself to know that you're generous and caring.
Gift-giving can help you feel more connected and like you belong. Gift-giving is a great way to feel more connected to the people around you. It can make you feel like you belong and that you're part of a community. When you give a gift, it's a way of showing that you care about the person and that you want to make them happy. It's also a way of showing appreciation for what they've done for you.
When you give a gift, part of the gift is the act of giving itself. But just giving without thinking about it isn't enough. The value of a gift comes from how much thought you put into choosing it. What will it actually mean to the person you're giving it to? Giving—and thoughtful, generous giving at that—may be more rewarding than receiving on numerous levels.
Ultimately, giving can be its own reward. The next time you’re considering a gift for someone, remember that the act of giving may be just as valuable—if not more so—than the actual gift itself.
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