It doesn’t matter if you’re giving or receiving – your brain loves a great pressie.
The anticipation
When you’re handing out the goods, your brain’s regions of intellect, memory, and emotion are busy finding the perfect gift for that special someone. The whole activity can make you excited and anxious.
On the receiving end? A quick glance at a wrapped gift can ignite your noggin’s reward center, releasing the feel-good neurotransmitter dopamine. When your partner hints that what’s inside is beyond awesome, you should both experience that anticipatory rush of pleasure.
The exchange
When you’ve given or received a winner, your brain’s thinking and emotional centers pump out oxytocin, the so-called love or bonding chemical. Women tend to get bigger hits from the stuff than men – score! This in turn releases stress-reducing serotonin. Things can get even more intense when it’s a big gift or a big surprise. The brain sends out excitation signals that speed up your heart rate, tense your muscles, and dilate your pupils. And yes, there is a lot of oxytocin in there too.
When what you unpack is more “ugh” than “oops,” the area of your brain that deals with disappointment lights up. With little or no oxytocin rush, you may feel emotionally distant from the giver. One study even found that men rated themselves as less compatible with their girlfriends after an unsatisfactory gift exchange.
The consequences
Saying thank you – and meaning it – can increase optimism and overall well-being on both sides. Less Altruistic Bonus: Gratitude can also inspire future generosity.
Giver beware: generosity can trigger extra feel-good hormones that can keep you happy for up to three months – whereas a recipient’s high usually only lasts a few weeks to a month.
Gift ideas for everyone