The Perfect Gift

File under Set the Bar Low

I probably should have posted this earlier this month because there was recently a study on gift-giving, detailed in the NY Times, that may have changed how you gave this holiday season.

Apparently spending lots of time or money on the perfect gift is most often lost on the recipient, and typically only satisfies the giver.  "Spending extra time and money for the perfect gift may make them feel better, but it’s not doing much for the objects of their efforts" the study found.

When asked about memorable gifts, gift-givers typically recall expensive items, while gift-receivers tend to recall a gift they actually asked for, even if it was a T-shirt.  The researchers also noted that, although not creative and somewhat boring, choosing a gift off of a registry is the best way to go. 

It's kind of counter-intuitive to think that spending 5 minutes on a gift registry or asking for a wish list increases the recipients happiness more than spending hours on end thinking of and searching for the perfect gift.  But i do agree that it's much less fun for the giver.  At least just remember this when stressed out about finding the perfect gift - that the effort you put in is really mostly only satisfying yourself!

Find the NY times article here.


Song of the Day
In honor of giving, the song of the day is Public Enemy's "Give it Up".  A bit of a stretch i know, but i love this song.