Five Reasons We Give Gifts

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Giving gifts is rightly or wrongly a solid part of Christmas these days, and this time of year sees people flocking to the stores, online sales rocketing and frantic last-minute wrapping. There are more than a few reasons why we give gifts which seem to get forgotten in the fever of Christmas, but one thing is for sure...giving gifts makes you feel good.

Winston Churchill once said, "We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give".

There have been many studies looking at the psychology of giving and the effects it has on people, and psychologically we get a much more enriched experience out of giving a gift to someone else, than we do if we receive one. Here at TM, we find this interesting if it's applied to our sector of retail. Promotional products are given by a company to its customers or employees. They are chosen carefully by the company to ensure their brand is well represented, and that the colour and type of product fits with their business image. The right promotional product will be given to the customer and it will make them feel appreciated, it will be useful to them and it will help them to remember that company in future, hopefully meaning they go on to make use of that company's products or services. The company gives to benefit itself, making itself and the customer feel good in the process. Upon achieving this, the customer then wants to give something in return and gives the company their custom. It's the perfect circle of giving.
 

Of course, there are many other reasons why we give gifts, take a look below:
 

1. Just Because

There's no reason why gifts should only be given on a special occasion, and giving gifts as a surprise to the one you love makes you, and them, feel that little bit extra special.
 

2. It's Christmas/Birthday

Giving gifts on these two occasions particularly could be considered a bit out of hand these days, but nevertheless it's still a tradition and one that will continue. Gift giving is a way of celebrating after all.

3. For a Cause

Those of us that are fortunate to have all we need to live a comfortable life are lucky. That's why giving to those less fortunate than ourselves makes us feel good. This time of year especially brings out the 'giving' in people, with stories of children saving their pocket money all year to buy orphaned children christmas gifts, or others giving homeless people food. All of this is so worth doing and it puts a smile on someone's face.
 

4. To Show Off Your Creativity

Making a gift yourself and putting time and effort into it, is perhaps one of the most meaningful ways to give to someone. It could be anything from a hand made cake, to a knitted jumper. With this kind of gift, it's the thought that really counts and it feels good when they praise your efforts!
 

5. To Make It More Personal

Giving a gift that is based more on your own personal tastes rather than what you know the receiver likes has actually been shown to be a more effective gift. For example, buying someone's songs based on your own personal music taste means the person receiving them will appreciate them more because of the thought and personal touch associated with that music.
 

Whatever the reason and whatever the occasion, it can't be denied that giving is in our nature. You enrich your soul when you give to others, so give more than materialistic goods this year. Give a little bit of yourself too, and it will make your Christmas seem that little bit better.