Today’s episode of The Psychology World Podcast is on the cognitive psychology topic of the Psychology of Christmas Gifting Giving.
Psychology of Christmas Gifting Giving and Cognitive Psychology:
With Christmas just a few weeks away, I know many people have probably done their Christmas shopping, but I want to help people in the present and future.
Because I know finding the right gift is hard, but hopefully this episode will be helpful.
Also, this episode will mainly focus on people’s mistakes when choosing a gift.
Choosing What You Like:
Now, I know many people are guilty of this mistake, but I understand it.
We are related to people, so surely we have common interests?
Well, that probably isn’t true for several reasons.
For example, in my own family, my mum and dad love cars, but I don’t. Therefore, if my parents got me a car present because they liked it. Then I would be very disappointed.
Bringing in a bit of cognitive psychology here, people have a tendency to overestimate how many people like what we Like, and this is an outstanding example of poor perspective taking.
You can’t perform the Other Taking Perspective and put yourself in their shoes.
Christmas giving tip- when you pick a gift ask yourself are you buying it because they will like it or because you will like it.
Choosing goods over experiences
In the Western world, countries that are highly economically developed or above the Brandt line. We have an abundance of goods mostly of the time, and we are spoiled for choice.
For example, right now I’m writing this blog post on my smartphone in my nice warm bed. I’m surrounded by other examples of technology, books and more.
Sadly, some people don’t have access to this abundance and can only or just meet the baud needs. This people we need to help and support. This is why with my Global Author Brand
I’m going to be focusing on something to help people next year.
As a result of this abundance, research has shown they receiving material goods over memories, beyond fulfilling basic needs, has no measurable physical or psychological gain.
This has been supported by a US survey of 1,279 students.
A lot of my own family supports this idea as I love going to places and seeing the world and creating new memories.
Also, as I’m impossible to buy for as people like to tell me. I tend to ask for tickets to the London Book Fair for Christmas. Because it saves me the money but it means I can have the experience of going to a major conference, seeing my role models and having great conversations.
Christmas giving tips- give someone an experience. Whether it’s a holiday, a spa day, the theatre, etc.
Refusing to ask questions:
As always one purpose of The Psychology World Podcast is to debunk myths, and this is the biggest mistake people make.
Because there is nothing wrong with asking people "what do you want for Christmas? Or" do you want x or y?"
This is only wrong if you're using it to get out of trying to find a present.
If not, this is fine because you're showing to them you care and you want to get them something they will love.
Christmas giving tip- ask questions and have fun!
I really hope you've found this useful.
Have a great day, everyone!
I truly hope that you’re enjoyed this blog post and if you feel like supporting the blog on an ongoing basis and get lots of rewards, then please head to my Patreon page.
However, if want to show one-time support and appreciation, the place to do that is PayPal. If you do that, please include your email address in the notes section, so I can say thank you.
Which I am going to say right now. Thank you!
Click www.paypal.me/connorwhiteley1 to go to PayPal.