Do you ever wish you had a superpower that could slow down time and allow you to have a more positive impact on your own life and the world around you? What if I told you that not only is that power possible, but also easy to obtain. This power is already within you, ready to positively influence your health, personal relationships, and the world. This power does not require a college degree or a massive bank account. And best of all, there is no need to wear embarrassing tights or a flashy cape. It may sound unbelievable, but the simple practice of gift giving is an amazing, life-changing superpower.
Scientific studies have discovered that giving is physically powerful. Our brains feel pleasure when we give generously. This can be a tangible item presented to a loved one, neighbor, or just an acquaintance. The same pleasure centers are tapped in charitable giving as well. Your brain reacts positively whether the recipient is someone you know or directed toward unknown people far away. Givers practice a form of empathy. You must put yourself in someone else’s shoes, thinking carefully about what the other person may need, want, or desire before selecting a gift. When you delight in bringing joy to someone else, sacrificing time and resources, it has been proven that you will feel greater personal happiness up to several weeks later. Researchers are even beginning to study how gift giving affects lifespan. For many years scientists have been trying to unlock the secrets of “Blue Zones,” specific locations in the world where people tend to live the longest. Most of the research has focused on diet and exercise, but a new angle has been discovered. It seems that people in these zones are also very generous. They share resources, time, and possessions with their neighbors. Generous sharing and gift giving could be the key to longer life! No matter the size of the gift, both the giver and the recipient benefit- amazing!
Gift giving is also a powerful way to strengthen social bonds. It is a form of communication. Understanding the purpose behind your gift will make you a super giver. If you want to increase your bond with a close family member or friend, choose gifts that can be framed as experiences. Think: games, puzzles, concert tickets, memberships to local museums or zoos, activity classes, travel gear or subscription boxes. These types of gifts offer opportunities to connect repeatedly over time. Present yourself as willing to participate in using the gift with the recipient. These gifts bring joy in the moment and strengthen emotional ties through the memory of your thoughtfulness as the gift is used in the future. If your intention is to build a new bond with someone less familiar, consider sharing a gift that echoes something that you appreciate. Present this person with something such as a book you recently read and enjoyed, or give an item that you regularly use in your own home such as a cozy blanket or scarf. Creating a gift basket of food items you love is another simple way for you to share interests and initiate fun conversations. Let the receiver know that you are sharing personal recommendations to build a stronger connection. If your purpose is to show gratitude, keep it simple and personal. Flowers never disappoint, especially if you know the receiver’s favorite color or style. A handwritten note attached to a luxury chocolate always has a great impact. The value of a gift grows from the decision-making behind the choice. Time and thought are priceless investments that benefit both the giver and the receiver.
Now how can gift giving positively impact the world? People who give gifts regularly have been shown to have greater social ties and interest in the well-being of their communities. Gift givers are apt to notice needs and actively look for solutions. People who receive gifts demonstrate the desire to give as well. After receiving a gift, you will have a lowered stress response and higher cooperative attitude. It is difficult to harbor angry feelings when accepting generosity. Gift giving is a type of emotional “pay it forward” scenario. The more people receive, the more they want to give. The more people give, the more they want to improve the world around them. Gift giving is a catalyst for positive change!
Giving is a true superpower. We know life is busy and gift giving can sometimes seem overwhelming. Tapping into curated resources can relieve the stress of finding a thoughtful gift. Gift Lions has hunted down great options for various occasions and at varying price points for you. Check out our lists, e-mail us if you have any questions or suggestions. We love to hear from our visitors and watch how you powerfully influence the world through the simple, yet super, act of giving gifts.