Jesus received gold, frankincense myrrh gifts from three wise Maggi kings from the East setting pace to exchange gifts at Christmas. The local shepherds brought sheep so family and friends give gifts to contribute to cost of raising baby Jesus. The giving of gifts is popular in so many cultures including gifts of clothes, shoes, fabrics, foodstuffs, some donate time and money to help out. Others visit the family to bring unique gifts from exotic places to bring awareness of the world.
Gifts have become a part and parcel of Christmas celebration season so many scramble to finish the holiday shopping before big day. While some put thought into finding the perfect gift others leave it last-minute by grabbing whatever is available. This means those looking for gifts often try to find out the best items suitable to each person to surprise them. Others do last-minute holiday gifts, than find the inspiration from gift guides or the mall displays. The 4 types of gifts according to science best given this year and three you should not give.
Don’t how off flashy gifts
Most admit giving gift based on person’s interest from clearance sales research suggests it’s the item so not the price tag that matters. Other gift-givers say their choices are better if more expensive but research published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology did not back that. No clear correlation between present price and recipient satisfaction.
Don’t Give Gift for others
Giving a charitable donation for friends or family member’s seem like a perfect gift: Spending goes to a worthy cause so recipient gets gift they feel good about. A 2015 study published in the journal: Organizational Behavior and Human Decisions, disputes that theory. Close friends, family members appreciate a responsible gift, researchers find casual acquaintances feel slighted because the selection focuses “on symbolic meaning of gift,” rather than on the recipient.
Don’t: Dress Up Bad Gift.
If a gift is unsuitable it may be tempting to overcompensate with big bows, fancy wrapping paper but data from Yale’s Association for Consumer Research says strategy may backfire. When people get a gift liked, researchers find attractive trappings slightly enhanced experience. If gift is unsatisfactory science research documentary says purposes wrapping worsened recipients’ perception of the gift because expectations didn’t match reality. It is even worse when the giver can afford the most luxurious presents for themselves and scraps for others.
Give Gifts People want
A study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found gift-givers overestimate the impact of a surprise gift. The study showed people appreciate the gifts specifically asked for than unsolicited presents. So make your life easy to stick to their list.
Do: Pick a gift card.
Gift cards surveys have found they’re actually popular among gift recipients. A survey conducted by the National Retail Federation, they were the most requested gift. So some keep it simple as other research has found people are perfectly happy to receive cash as a gift.
Give Appropriate Gifts 
A series of studies published in Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found recipients prefer gifts that reflect own interests and hobbies. Researchers found “givers and receivers report greater feelings of closeness to a giver when gift reflects giver’s and receiver’s mutual deep interests. Among favourite gifts are Sharing favorite book garment or keepsake with a loved one, makes strongest impact in the long run.
Give gifts that last longer
Quality long-lasting gift items that meet needs like kitchen gadgets or wardrobe, staples, gifts shows in a study published in Current Directions in Psychological Science people prefer present to use for months and years than gifts that makes statement right away but useless.
What To Do With Unwanted Gifts
If possible, smile kindly and politely and remember it is the thought that counts. Wait a few days and quietly pass gift on to others. Do not to look at annoying gift in misery. Negotiate with store if there is a receipt and the packaging intact for refund or exchange with another item. Buy a similar or exact item if too small or too big then give gift away to charity. Do not offend giver by letting them know it is another item you paid for yourself. If an understanding person first thank them, appreciate gift before complaining about shape or size if gift is unsuitable or useless to you.





If not a meaningful gift to you let giver explain intention and reason for a gift. At times, you may not immediately see a value of a gift until years later when you understand life better. So let giver explain choice, size, colour, preference, if already owns too many, swap item together in a shop. It is not necessary to blame or take offence to put anger on a giver for your disappointment. It is also important to realise nobody is perfect. People may not fully know you well enough to read your mind so tell them or write down gift to understand you better. If a person cannot afford a gift you like do not use it to blackmail them. Realise it is not good to live above your means in debt for the rest of your life for moments happiness. A person’s life, real true identity, innerself strength comes from within as Jesus said. Do not measure your standard of living by gifts you receive or give to others.
You are the best Christmas present from God so be happy and reason for giving gifts is to bring happiness, joy and love, help to others not for selfish reasons. So remember Jesus said it is better to give than to receive. The most sentimental gifts are unique, one of a kind, made by you so do not necessarily cost money. Think of gifts to help ease the burdens of others like helping them shop, clean, do laundry if unwell or unable to do so due to health, disability. Regift the gifts to other people through online freebies in Gumtree by sharing or exchanging them. If giving food gift ensure dietary needs, allergies taken into consideration to understand religious restrictions not to cause offence by good intentions. And vegans or some vegetarians do not eat food containing animal products leather or pork so be aware when giving gifts. Above all do remember that Christmas is about love of God to celebrate Jesus Christ not just swapping material gifts. Love and appreciate your gift in Christ.