Why Giving Thoughtful Gifts Makes You Happier Too
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It really is better to give than to receive; and science agrees.
If you've ever felt that little spark of joy watching someone unwrap a gift you carefully chose, you're not imagining it. According to research published in Frontiers in Psychology, giving thoughtful gifts does more than make others happy: it boosts your own wellbeing too.
Gift-giving promotes connection, reduces stress, and helps build stronger relationships. And when those gifts are personalised? The impact is even greater.
Let’s unwrap the science behind why great gifts make us feel so good.
1. Thoughtful gifts build stronger bonds
Gifts aren’t just objects. They’re expressions of care, humour, gratitude, and love. Studies show that thoughtful gifts (especially ones tailored to the recipient’s interests or personality) strengthen relationships and increase emotional closeness.
That's because giving a thoughtful gift boosts oxytocin (the “bonding hormone”) that helps build trust and connection. So when we give (or receive) the perfect gift, we naturally feel closer.
2. Giving boosts your mood – and your health
We often give gifts to make others smile, but it turns out the act itself is good for us, too.
Researchers found that generous acts like gift-giving lead to:
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Higher happiness levels
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Lower stress
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Even improved physical health
In brain scans, people who gave gifts showed more activation in reward and pleasure centres than those receiving them. And as we know, giving feels especially good when the gift is meaningful and personal.
3. Personalised gifts leave a lasting impact
Unlike generic presents, personalised gifts tell a story. They show that you understand the recipient on a deeper level — and that kind of thoughtfulness sticks.
A recent study found that 66% of people remembered personalised gifts longer than generic ones.
Personalised gifts are often:
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Remembered for longer
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Kept or displayed with pride
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Shared as keepsakes or heirlooms
Hence why we started InkyPrintworks: a colour print that captures someone’s hobbies, favourite things, or shared jokes makes for a gift that's totally unique and totally “them.” And we care about creating gifts that people want to keep forever.
4. It's not about price; it's about meaning
Here’s the best part: heartfelt gifts don’t have to be expensive. In fact, meaning matters more than money. A thoughtful gesture or custom item often has more emotional value than a pricey gadget.
As researchers put it: "A gift that reflects thoughtful effort communicates care more effectively than one chosen merely to impress."
5. Giving sparks generosity
When someone receives a thoughtful gift, they’re more likely to “pay it forward.” Gift-giving creates a ripple effect of kindness, strengthening families, friendships, and even communities.
Final thought: Gifting is connection
The best gifts say, “I know you.” They reflect memories, quirks, and love. And science tells us they don’t just bring joy, they multiply it.
Want to give more meaningful gifts?
At InkyPrintworks, we help you create personalised prints that reflect the people you love. Whether it’s their favourite colours, hobbies, or inside jokes, your gift will say more than words ever could.