No Stupid Questions 128. How Can You Give Better Gifts?
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Dec 25, 2022 What makes a great gift? The hosts dive into the complexities of gift-giving, touching on cultural nuances and even animal behaviors. They discuss the awkwardness of re-gifting and debate the merits of cash versus thoughtful presents. Through entertaining anecdotes, they explore the psychological impact of gifts and the expectations tied to children's reactions. With engaging listener stories, they highlight the balance between practicality and emotional connection, making you rethink your approach to selecting the perfect gift.
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Gift Definition
- Gifts are unnecessary, optional payments not given in exchange for something else.
- They create an implicit expectation of future reciprocation.
The Dress Disaster
- Angela Duckworth recounts receiving an ill-fitting dress as a gift from her husband, Jason.
- The experience left her feeling self-conscious and upset, highlighting the importance of empathy in gift-giving.
Deadweight Loss of Gift-Giving
- Economists view gift-giving through the lens of "deadweight loss," the gap between a gift's cost and its perceived value to the recipient.
- This suggests much gift-giving is inefficient, as recipients often value gifts less than their purchase price.