Last Updated on November 1, 2024 by Successful Black Parenting Staff

It is a paradox, but giving is a two-way happiness booster. The one who receives no doubt feels great, grateful, and happy, but did you realize that when you give, you feel a rush of energy and joy? As good hormones, endorphins, and serotonin course through your bloodstream, it means a major mood boost that can last for a long time. 

When you’re feeling low, you try to snap out of the trough by trying a bunch of stuff. You exercise, go for a walk, binge on your favorite dessert, listen to music, or watch a show on TV. Or you may try retail therapy, splurge at the beauty salon or spa, call up a friend and vent, or try writing your thoughts down. If none of these tried and tested self-care ideas work, why not try a different tactic? 

Gift-giving gives you much more. When you see the joy on someone else’s face, the pleasure they take in unwrapping the gift, and knowing that you care about them, that’s when your own mood lifts and you share in their happiness. 

It is a heart-warming gesture that goes a long way in reinforcing your relationship and creating memorable moments to cherish. 

Gifts Can and Do Lift The Mood

Across cultures, geography, and time, the art of gifting is a very important part of life. Whether it is to mark a special occasion or milestone, as a token of affection or respect, or simply because you saw something that you felt the other person would love, gifts are precious. 

Studies show that giving activates the same areas of the brain that are activated during pleasurable or satisfying activities. In human beings, altruism, or doing good for others is something that is deeply entrenched in our brains. You could say we are hard-wired to be generous. 

However, on the flip side, unless you find meaning and mindfulness in giving, it can be counterproductive. You can feel taken advantage of, or you may feel that you are always the giver and never the receiver in a relationship, or you may think that your gift was not good enough or appreciated by the receiver. These feelings can dampen your spirit and make you feel hurt and confused. 

There are secrets and techniques to the art of gifting, as there are to any other art. Finding your way through this intricate skill can help you to make every gift you give truly meaningful. 

Gifts To Boost The Mood

The greatest gift you can give anyone is to give of your time and effort. Giving of yourself is probably the most generous act that you can do for someone. Spending time, being there in their good and bad times, showing up when they need you, even a cheerful smile, a warm hug or a slice of home-baked cake can all do the trick. 

Words of appreciation, being proactive without being intrusive, showing respect for their sentiments and ideas, helping them to move away from negative self-talk, trying new things together, and taking their advice on something are all gifts that are not materialistic or tangible. But they are things that will be remembered and treasured. 

Apart from that, what can you give a loved one who is truly in need of a mood boost?

1. Experiences: For a gift that goes on giving, provide a personal care experience. A spa membership, a day at the salon to pamper oneself, a weekend away at a quiet retreat, cooking or hobby classes, language learning, adventure sports opportunities, and a fruit-picking holiday are things that make great gifts. 

2. Mindfulness gifts: A bullet journal kit makes an amazing gift that will genuinely be appreciated. A gratitude book, a Thought for The Day scheduler filled with motivational messages, a kindness board, self-help books or podcasts, and colorful posters with thoughtful messages, are gifts that will certainly boost the mood and sustain it every time your gift is used. 

3. Self-Care Gifts: For the busy mom, harried executive, or exhausted caregiver, self-care is usually last on their list of priorities. You can look for self-care gifts such as a silk pillowcase and sheet set, jade facial rollers or gua sha tools, aromatherapy kits, or even a massage or sauna session with an expert. A playlist of their favorite music, a Pomodoro timer, an analog alarm clock, or a set of skin care products can elevate the mood, with long-term benefits. Browse self care gifts from Rest and Digest for more great ideas. 

4. Hampers: One of the most fun, thoughtful, and interesting gifts is a gift hamper. You can pick a theme such as wine and cheese, gardening, essential oils, chocolate, snacks and beverages, or crafts. The sky’s the limit here.  Many gifting companies provide theme-based hampers and you can also customize them according to your needs, preferences, and budget. Stress buster hampers, detox hampers, scents and candle boxes, gourmet delights, or hampers packed with a few deluxe products can certainly boost the mood.  Make sure the hamper is attractively packaged, the items are safely packed, and the hamper is delivered at the right time to the right address. 

Gifting Tips

While it is certainly more blessed to give than to receive, this doesn’t mean that every gift is going to be received with applause and appreciation. Giving as a mere formality, or as a meaningless ritual takes away the entire benefit. 

While gifting to a loved one, take a moment to analyze their personality, needs, age, and preferences. For instance, giving a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle to someone with bad eyesight or coordination problems would hardly be appreciated. 

Ensure that your gift doesn’t cause extra expense or inconvenience. Giving someone a voucher to a fine dining restaurant miles away from home, or even a cute puppy in a wicker basket could set off more difficulties than benefits. 

Time it right. A gift, however small and inexpensive it is, will be received with much joy and happiness if it’s timed right. When you know that your loved one is going through a rough patch, a home-cooked meal delivered to their door will do wonders for their mood. If you know that your neighbor has just had surgery, offering to do their shopping or chores can elevate their spirits like nothing else can. 

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