The Importance of Gift Giving

In a New York Times article, "A Gift That Gives Right Back? The Giving Itself," Tara Parker-Pope makes these observations...

"Gift giving has long been a favorite subject for studies on human behavior, with psychologists, anthropologists, economists, and marketers all weighing in.  They have found that giving gifts is a surprisingly complex and important part of human interaction, helping to define relationships and strengthen bonds with family and friends.  Indeed, psychologists say it is often the giver, rather than the recipient, who reaps the biggest psychological gains from a gift.  Frustrated by crowds, traffic, and commercialism, people can be tempted at this time of year to opt out of gift giving altogether.  A 2005 survey showed that four out of five Americans think the holidays are too materialistic, according to the Center for a New American Dream, which promotes responsible consumption.

"But while it's reasonable to cut back on spending during the holidays, psychologists say that banning the gift exchange with loved ones is not the best solution.  People who refuse to accept or exchange gifts during the holidays, these experts say, may be missing out on an important connection with family and friends.

"'That doesn't do a service to the relationship,' said Ellen J. Langer, a Harvard psychology professor.  'If I don’t let you give me a gift, then I'm not encouraging you to think about me and think about things I like.  I am preventing you from experiencing the joy of engaging in all those activities.  You do people a disservice by not giving them the gift of giving.'"

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