"In a 2024 study in the Journal of Consumer Psychology, Howe, Wiener, and Chartrand found that receiving a small, thoughtful gift was sometimes more effective than a supportive conversation. The participants who received a gift from a loved one reported stronger feelings of being cared for, valued, and emotionally satisfied than those who were simply told kind words. This also aligns with research connected to the Five Love Languages framework."
"The holiday season of Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa can be filled with a lot of tasks: planning family gatherings, attending social obligations, confirming travel reservations, and, of course, the expectation of purchasing and receiving gifts. While it is true that a gift can serve as an expression of love, many times it is bought in haste, along with so many other items on the checklist. This can then be felt as less meaningful to the partner who is the receiver,"
Holiday gift-giving often becomes hurried amid many tasks, which can reduce perceived meaning and limit emotional, romantic, and erotic growth between partners. Research indicates that receiving a small, thoughtful gift can produce stronger feelings of being cared for, valued, and emotionally satisfied than supportive conversation alone. Gifts function as tools for reconnection, love expression, and closeness building. Intentionality in selection is crucial. Both experiential gifts that create shared memories and meaningful physical objects can help recipients feel loved and seen. Gift giving can enhance relationship wellness and need not be a burdensome task.
Read at Psychology Today
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