The science behind the perfect gift: Focus on experiences, make sure its useful and NEVER surprise someone

Researchers scoured the literature to find the common pitfalls of gift giving
Givers can go wring by focusing too much on the immediate reaction
Expensive gifts may give a wow factor, but a more thoughtful gift is better
They advise putting yourself in the receiver's shoes and thinking about what they might get out of a gift in the long term

Published: 10:18 EST, 9 December 2016 | Updated: 12:32 EST, 9 December 2016

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Giving the perfect gift may be less of an art form and more of a science.

A group of psychologists has highlighted the pitfalls of gift-givers, and claim there are some common things to keep in mind when choosing presents.

Instead of focusing on the ‘big reveal’ and trying to make someone smile when they unwrap, they advise playing a long game – opting for something more thoughtful they will use or that will fit their lifestyle.

Gift giving can be tricky, but science could have the answer. Psychologists say that opting for something more thoughtful or that someone can use could be the best bet (stock image)

HOW TO GIVE A GREAT GIFT

Psychologists say we should avoid going for the 'wow' factor in favour of delayed gratification.

In a review of research on successful gift giving they highlight a number of common pitfalls

Surprise gifts aren't always a good idea, especially if its not on their wish list
Physical gifts are immediately well received
But something less physical, such as tickets to a show, could bring more enjoyment in the long term
Socially responsible gifts, such as charity donations in someone's name, may not leave someone feeling 'warm' towards you
Practical gifts can be great because the receiver will get use out of them
Put yourself in the person's shoes and think about what they might get out of a gift in the long term

What’s more, the study highlights that surprise gifts could be a mistake, especially if someone has a wish list of trinkets and toys.

But theatre or concert tickets, or something else a person enjoys can provide more enjoyment later on.

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University in Pennsylvania looked at a number of studies to try and find common ground between giving gifts and enjoyment.

They found that one reason for gifts going wrong is a mismatch between expectations of gift giver and receiver.

‘What we found was that the giver wants to ‘wow’ the recipient and give a gift that can be enjoyed immediately, in the moment, while the recipient is more interested in a gift that provides value over time,’ explained Jeff Galak.

‘We are seeing a mismatch between the thought processes and motivations of gift givers and recipients.

‘Put another way, there may be times when the vacuum cleaner, a gift that is unlikely to wow most recipients when they open it on Christmas day, really ought to be at the top of the shopping list as it will be well used and liked for a long time.’

The trick is getting the balance between a present someone will use and want, compared with something they need – after all, a vacuum cleaner may get use, but may not be best appreciated (stock image used)

The trick is getting the balance between a present someone will use and want, compared with something they need – after all, a vacuum cleaner may get use, but may not be best appreciated.

A bit of empathy goes a long way, so putting yourself in the person's shoes and think about what they might get out of a gift in the long term.

‘We exchange gifts with the people we care about, in part, in an effort to make them happy and strengthen our relationships with them,’ added Professor Galak.

‘By considering how valuable gifts might be over the course of the recipient’s ownership of them, rather than how much of a smile it might put on recipients’ faces when they are opened, we can meet these goals and provide useful, well-received gifts.’

The findings are published in the journal Current Directions in Psychological Science.

Previous research has found that pickiest people may actually end up more likely to get what they want, while the less choosy among us end up disappointed.

Less picky people are more likely to end up getting a gift they don't want, whereas the picky gift receivers tend to have a set list.

What's more, gift cards aren't necessarily the lazy option.

A 2014 study revealed that instead of using the cards to buy usual items, people are more likely to save gift cards to buy more luxury items than they might otherwise.