Finding the Perfect Gift is Easier Than You Think 

The popular trope: “It’s the thought that counts,” whilst well-meaning and comforting, has been proven by science to be a big fat load of wrong.  Research shows that receiving a bad gift from a friend or relative, or someone who should know better, is a big thumbs down and can even dent your relationship.

This Stanford study shows that the best gifts, unsurprisingly, are the ones the receiver actually wants. Whilst this may seem obvious, knowing what they want is the great conundrum. We scour the high street looking for that unique gift, that will both surprise and thrill the receiver. According to this study, you really shouldn’t bother. 

Psychologists found that people are happier when they receive items listed in their gift registry, rather than leaving it up to the giver. In some cases even, cash is best. Beware, receiving cash is a no-go in one circumstance alone, between spouses.

So in your pursuit for the best gift for your loved one, the best thing is to ask them explicitly. Getting gifts we explicitly ask for and want is considered the best gift exchange. This is why The Gift Fund is a solution to gift-giving woes, allowing you to give them the best gift, the one they wanted.

Read more: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/faculty-research/publications/give-them-what-they-want-benefits-explicitness-gift-exchange