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cover of episode How Can You Give Better Gifts? (Replay)

How Can You Give Better Gifts? (Replay)

2024/11/7
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No Stupid Questions

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A
Angela Duckworth
S
Stephen Dubner
以《怪诞经济学》系列著名的美国作家、记者和广播电视人物。
Topics
Angela Duckworth: 本期节目探讨了送礼的难题,指出人们往往只关注送礼瞬间的感受,而忽略礼物的长期使用价值。送礼者应尝试设身处地为收礼者着想,选择真正符合对方需求和喜好的礼物,而非仅仅追求包装和仪式感。此外,表达感激之情是送礼习俗的一部分,即使礼物并不令人满意。在送礼过程中,应权衡风险和收益,在不确定时,选择保守方案。对于一些熟人,可以考虑用亚马逊礼品卡代替现金。 在文化方面,中国文化中送现金是常见的礼仪,这与西方文化有所不同。 在经济学方面,经济学中的“无谓损失”概念可以用来分析送礼行为的效率。“无谓损失”是指礼物的实际成本与接受者对其估值的差额。很多送礼行为造成了“无谓损失”,不如直接送现金。 在心理学方面,儿童实验显示,女孩比男孩更擅长在收到不喜欢的礼物时表现出感激之情。 总而言之,送礼是一门艺术,需要考虑多方面的因素,包括收礼人的喜好、送礼者的经济能力、文化背景以及人际关系等。 Stephen Dubner: 本期节目探讨了送礼的难题,指出人们往往只关注送礼瞬间的感受,而忽略礼物的长期使用价值。送礼者应尝试设身处地为收礼者着想,选择真正符合对方需求和喜好的礼物,而非仅仅追求包装和仪式感。 在经济学方面,经济学中的“无谓损失”概念可以用来分析送礼行为的效率。“无谓损失”是指礼物的实际成本与接受者对其估值的差额。很多送礼行为造成了“无谓损失”,不如直接送现金。 在心理学方面,人们在收到礼物时,最常感受到的是感激之情,而感激之情与送礼者的付出成正比。 此外,送礼者重复送同一种礼物的频率远低于接受者期望的频率。如果对方喜欢某种礼物,可以考虑重复赠送。 总而言之,送礼是一门艺术,需要考虑多方面的因素,包括收礼人的喜好、送礼者的经济能力、文化背景以及人际关系等。

Deep Dive

Key Insights

Why can gift giving be so difficult for some people?

Gift giving is challenging because givers often focus only on the moment of the gift exchange, neglecting how the recipient will use or appreciate the gift in the long term. This short-term thinking leads to frequent mismatches and dissatisfaction.

What percentage of Americans admit to receiving at least one unwanted gift over the holidays?

52% of Americans surveyed admit to getting at least one unwanted gift over the holidays, though this number is likely an underestimate.

What are the top three least favorite gifts to receive for Christmas in the U.S. according to Statista?

The top three least favorite gifts are flowers and plants, beauty products, and liquor or drinks.

Why do gift givers often avoid repeating gifts even when recipients prefer them?

Gift givers perceive repeating a gift as less thoughtful and more boring, even though recipients often prefer receiving the same gift again if they liked it the first time.

What is the concept of deadweight loss in gift giving?

Deadweight loss refers to the gap between what a gift costs the giver and how much the recipient values it. For example, if a $100 sweater is valued at only $10 by the recipient, the deadweight loss is $90.

Why do some people prefer giving cash as a gift?

Cash is preferred by some because it eliminates the risk of mismatch and deadweight loss, ensuring the recipient can use the money exactly as they wish.

What is the legal limit for tipping a mailman in the U.S.?

The legal limit for tipping a mailman in the U.S. is $20.

What is the emotional payoff of a well-chosen gift?

A well-chosen gift can significantly enhance the emotional calculus of a relationship, making both the giver and recipient feel more connected and appreciated.

What is the best way to grow a podcast audience according to Angela?

The best way to grow a podcast audience is through word of mouth. Listeners should recommend the show to friends and family and leave ratings or reviews on podcast apps.

Chapters
This chapter explores the difficulties of gift-giving, citing research on the psychology of gift-giving and the common mismatch between giver and receiver preferences. It highlights the high percentage of unwanted gifts received during holidays and discusses the surprising prevalence of disliked gifts such as flowers, beauty products, and alcohol.
  • Gift-giving is a complex human interaction, focusing on the moment of exchange rather than long-term use.
  • 52% of Americans receive at least one unwanted gift during the holidays.
  • Least favorite gifts: flowers, beauty products, and alcohol.

Shownotes Transcript

How many bottles of wine are regifted? What’s wrong with giving cash? And should Angela give her husband a subscription to the Sausage of the Month Club?