Hidden Brain

The Secret to Gift-Giving

Dec 9, 2024
Marketing researcher Jeff Galak from Carnegie Mellon University dives into the psychology of gift-giving. He uncovers why our thoughtful presents often miss the mark, emphasizing the disconnect between what givers intend and what recipients truly want. Galak advocates for clear communication about preferences and the value of experiential gifts over material ones. He also shares how spontaneous gifting can deepen relationships, encouraging us to rethink our approach to meaningful connections through thoughtful, personalized gifts.
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ANECDOTE

Childhood New Year's Gifts

  • Jeff Galak's family celebrated New Year's Day with gift-giving.
  • These gifts were typically small items.
ANECDOTE

The Popcorn Gift

  • As a 10-year-old, Galak received a large tin of popped popcorn.
  • He was disappointed, expecting a toy or candy.
ANECDOTE

The Keychain Gift

  • Another time, Galak received a Caribbean keychain.
  • This was useless to him as a child with no keys.
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