Park City Television: December 16th, 2020

Why should we wrap?

– Wrapping increases the mystery and therefore the anticipation. We get ‘happy hormones’ first when we see the gift (specifically if it is wrapped in an exciting way) and then as we are opening it. These hormones include oxytocin (attachment hormone) and dopamine/serotonin (sense of well being hormones). 

Wrapping is a Clue to the Relationship:

– If you are giving a gift to a close friend/first tier relationship, sloppy wrapping sets up how thoughtful the gift actually is (but has some leeway). 

– If you are giving a gift to an acquaintance, the wrapping indicates a cue to how you feel about the relationship itself. (Rixon & Mas, 2020)

Nice bow, thick paper & GLITTER!
The gift is thought to have more value; both financial & emotional.

Grocery bag
The gift is seen as undervalued or not thoughtful.
41% of people have used newspaper, tin foil, or a grocery bag to wrap a present before.

Child-wrapped present & themed wrapping paper
Best if there is an emotional connection between the gift receiver & child. So know your audience and put yourself in their shoes.

Gift bags

You are efficient and practical, but not super thoughtful.

Super Crafty 

Each gift is an art project and you make it uniquely dazzle like a treasure. It is seen as very thoughtful, but maybe overdone. 

Impossibly wrapped gift
It could be funny or frustrating. Again, know your audience and think about what the gift receiver would think.

 

Wrapping it up tips!

• Know your audience.
• A wrapped gift is seen as more sentimental and generally valuable.
• Treating it like a treasure helps elicit a cocktail of happy hormones that make the relationship stronger and your recipient more joyful.