Study suggests gaining experiences is more rewarding than receiving objects as gifts

Have you ever stopped to think that, on your birthday or Christmas, for example, the type of gift you receive (regardless of the amount) can make a big difference? A study published in Journal of Costumer Research assessed the effects that different types of gifts can have on people in terms of personal satisfaction. These gifts were divided into experiences — such as vacations and dinners — and material goods — such as clothing, jewelry and electronics.

O awesome.club was interested in knowing a little more about this topic and brings, firsthand, its results.

First, as the research defined, material gifts, such as jewelry or electronic objects, are those given to someone to keep. Experiences (like trips or tickets to a concert) are something that tends to last less, but to be more intense.

The results showed that being presented with an experience is more rewarding than a material good. Experiences offer greater satisfaction, less regret, and generate more happiness. However, it seems that people are more inclined to give material gifts. According to the study, 78% of the 279 participants gave material gifts because they believe in their greater durability.

Given the above, the researchers anticipated that the “experimental” gifts would bring greater benefits than materials, because an experience generates greater emotional intensity. With this, they launched two hypotheses:

To evaluate these hypotheses, 4 experiments🇧🇷 In the first test, several people received gifts of values ​​equivalent to 61 reais — both experimental and material — to deliver to someone they knew.

In the second test, participants were given a cup of coffee to give to someone they knew. In the third and fourth tests, participants recalled material or experimental gifts they had already received.

The results showed, from the first test, that experimental gifts improve the relationship between the giver and the receiver. For the second test, which sought to demonstrate whether a material gift can also achieve the same effect, it was clear that people still prefer experimental gifts, regardless of whether or not they liked the cup of coffee. On a more emotional level, in ratings 3 and 4, scientists proved that gifts that offer some kind of experience bring more positive benefits.

Research has shown that not all gifts are equally beneficial to everyone. Scientists point out that material gifts are less socially effective and that gaining an experience is more emotionally rewarding than receiving something material.

And do you prefer to give material goods or experiences as gifts? And when it’s time to be presented, what’s your preference? Tell us in the comments section!