In this engaging discussion, Jeff Galak, an Associate Professor of Marketing at Carnegie Mellon University with a focus on gift-giving studies, shares fascinating insights into the psychology behind thoughtful gifting. He emphasizes that genuine gestures often outweigh monetary value, challenging conventional notions of reciprocity. The conversation also covers the rise of the Giftstar app, which personalizes gift suggestions, and highlights the joy of experiential gifts that create lasting memories. Tune in for a fresh take on the art of giving!

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.

With the holidays upon us, many of us are hunting for that special something for the special someones in our lives.  It's how we show we care about them.  So why is it so hard to find the right gift?  This week, we talk with researcher Jeff Galak about why the presents we give for holidays and birthdays often miss their mark, and how to become a better gift giver.  If you missed any of the episodes in our recent Relationships 2.0 series, you can find them all in this podcast feed, or on our website. And if you enjoyed this series, please consider supporting our work.