The 4 Positive Effects of Giving to Others

That warm feeling you get when you see someone’s eyes light up as they unwrap a gift is priceless. I personally believe that there is this innate sense of giddiness in both giving and receiving a gift. It unleashes the inner child in all of us. The holidays are especially a time where gift-giving is part of many traditions. Gift-giving is a complex practice and though it can often be a source of stress in our lives many wonderful things can derive from it. 

So, what are the other positive effects of giving to others?

1. Gift-giving reduces anxiety and builds confidence

Yes, there is always that initial anxiety when presenting someone a gift- wondering if they will like it and if perhaps it’s “too much” or “not enough”. However, what most people don’t realize is that gift-giving is also proven to increase self-esteem and confidence. 

2. Releases happy chemicals in the brain

Scientifically, giving and receiving gifts releases all of those “happy chemicals”, known as endorphins and dopamine in our brains. They boost our mood because we feel appreciated by the others around us and is a natural response to our body’s reward system. Simply put, gift-giving is an act of kindness that both makes others feel good as well as ourselves. 

3. Builds connections and a sense of community

Gifts have also been used to strengthen relationships and create connections with others. Gifts do not need to be grand or expensive to leave a lasting memory. Useful, thoughtful, or sentimental gifts are great for connecting with someone and showing them that you care. 

4. It inspires others 

The saying  “it’s the thought that counts” has more meaning than people give it credit for. Gifts are one of those ways that you show someone you see them and care for them- and that feeling will hopefully be spread to others.

During this holiday, I hope you can enjoy the positive effects of gift-giving. It can be nerve-wracking picking out and presenting a gift to someone else, let alone worrying about if something might be too expensive or not expensive enough. Try to keep in mind that for many of us when it comes to giving and accepting gifts, it really is the thought that counts!