Scientists reveal the secret to perfectly wrapped Christmas presents – and it’s good news if you don’t fancy ribbons and bows
When it comes to wrapping presents, it’s easy to feel pressured to be extravagant.
Some people put gifts in boxes, use pretty bows or even – in the case of Rowan Atkinson who plays a shopkeeper in Love Actually – add some dried lavender to make the gift smell nice.
But now, in news that will be welcome to many, experts have discovered that most people prefer to receive gifts in plain packaging.
And they are likely to view over-wrapped gifts as “thoughtless,” the researchers found.
A team from Beijing Technology and Business University investigated how people felt about overwrapped gifts through a series of surveys among more than 2,600 participants.
In one study, people were asked to rate their feelings toward a gift after being shown it in three types of packaging: overpacking, plain packaging and no packaging.
Another participant asked participants to imagine giving or receiving a gift—overwrapped or normally wrapped—from a close or distant friend.
Analysis has shown that gift givers prefer oversized packaging as they believe it shows they are being thoughtful.
Some people put gifts in boxes, use pretty bows or even – in the case of Rowan Atkinson who plays a shopkeeper in Love Actually – add some dried lavender to make the gift smell nice
In news that will be welcome to many, experts have discovered that most people prefer to receive gifts in simple packaging
However, recipients preferred simple packaging and viewed extravagance as thoughtless and too focused on the packaging.
When the occasion was obligatory or the relationship was distant – for example, exchanging gifts in the office – negative views about overpacking were stronger.
When the occasion was voluntary or the relationship was close – such as a close friend’s birthday – the overpacking had less influence on opinions.
Lead author Haijiao Shi said, “Gift givers view overpacking as a thoughtful gesture, while recipients often view it as wasteful.
“Our research highlights the importance of understanding these different perspectives, suggesting that simpler packaging could improve recipient satisfaction.”
The study, published in the Journal of Retailing, reads: ‘Have you ever received and unwrapped a gift that seemed overly packaged?
“It may involve an exclusive tote bag, multiple layers of wrapping paper, nested boxes, an abundance of bows or ribbons, unnecessary decorative fillers and various other decorative elements that contribute to a lavish but often wasteful gift presentation.”
“When receiving gifts with excessive packaging, recipients have to dig through countless layers to get to the actual gift, resulting in a frustrating experience.
“Additionally, recipients must find a way to dispose of the extra packaging material, which creates even more inconvenience.”