9 traits of people who genuinely love buying gifts for others, according to psychology

Gift-giving — it’s an act we often undertake, but have you ever wondered what drives some people to truly love buying gifts for others?

It’s more than just a simple act of generosity.

It’s about the joy they derive from the process, the satisfaction they feel when they find the perfect gift, and the happiness they experience when seeing the recipient’s reaction.

So, what are these characteristics that set these people apart?

In this article, I’m going to unveil 9 unique traits of people who genuinely love buying gifts for others.

And who knows? You might even find yourself in the description.

1) You derive joy from the process

For some people, the act of gift-buying isn’t just a task to be completed.

In fact, it’s more of an adventure, a treasure hunt of sorts.

Those who genuinely love buying gifts for others find immense joy in the process itself. The journey that starts with thinking about what to buy, continues with exploring different stores or online platforms, and finally culminates in purchasing that perfect gift – it’s an exhilarating ride for them.

It’s not just about getting something and wrapping it up. It’s about the thrill of the hunt, the satisfaction of finding something that fits the recipient perfectly.

And this feeling? It’s not dependent on the size or cost of the gift. It’s tied to the emotional investment they make during the entire process.

If you find yourself smiling at just the thought of finding that perfect gift for someone, well, you might just be one of these individuals.

2) Empathy is your superpower

Empathy – we’ve all heard the term, but let’s dig a little deeper.

At its core, empathy is about understanding and sharing the feelings of others. It’s like stepping into someone else’s shoes and seeing the world from their viewpoint.

Now, imagine how this plays into gift buying.

Those who genuinely love buying gifts for others have a heightened sense of empathy. They’re able to tap into what the recipient might want or need, even if it’s something they haven’t expressly stated.

And here’s the thing:

This empathetic skill isn’t just about intuition. It involves active listening, keen observation, and a deep understanding of human emotions and needs.

Empathy might just be your gift-giving superpower if you find yourself intuitively grasping what others might like as gifts.

3) You’re not averse to risk-taking

Following on from empathy, there’s another trait that stands out in those who love buying gifts – a willingness to take risks.

While it may seem counter-intuitive, let’s think about it.

Choosing a gift involves making predictions about what the other person would appreciate. Despite empathizing with them, there’s always a possibility that your choice might not hit the mark.

And that’s where the risk comes in.

Those who genuinely enjoy the process of gift-giving don’t shy away from this uncertainty. Instead, they embrace it, seeing it as part of the adventure. They’re willing to step outside of conventional gift ideas and take a chance on something unique, personalized, or unexpected.

It’s not recklessness, but rather a calculated risk born out of understanding and empathy.

Feeling your heart racing with excitement, rather than fear, at the prospect of picking an unconventional gift – you’re likely in the league of those who truly love buying gifts for others.

4) You have a knack for remembering details

Have you ever been amazed by someone’s ability to recall small details about your likes and dislikes?

Those who love buying gifts for others often possess this ability. It’s like they have a mental catalog of their loved ones’ preferences, interests, and desires.

This isn’t just about having a great memory. It’s about paying attention to the small things that others might overlook. They remember that you mentioned loving a particular author six months ago, or that you pointed out a painting in a gallery once.

These individuals listen attentively, observe keenly, and store these details away for future use – like when they’re hunting for the perfect gift.

5) You display clear signs of patience

The process of gift buying is often time-consuming. It requires patience. And those who genuinely enjoy this act possess this trait in abundance. It can manifest in various ways:

• Spending hours searching for the ideal gift.
• Not settling for a gift just because it’s convenient or easy to buy.
• Being willing to wait for a particular item to come back in stock or arrive from overseas.

Patience, in this context, isn’t just about waiting. It’s about not rushing the gift-buying process, savouring each step and not compromising on the quality or suitability of the gift.

6) You appreciate the power of surprise

Let’s be honest, we all love surprises, don’t we?

I believe there’s a certain magic in unexpected joys. And this sentiment is shared by those who genuinely love buying gifts for others.

They understand the power of a surprise and how it can amplify the joy of receiving a gift. It’s not just about the gift itself, but the unexpected delight it brings.

It’s like they’re not just gifting an object, but an experience – the experience of surprise.

Maybe delivering it unexpectedly or disguising it in clever packaging – chances are, you’re part of the tribe that genuinely loves gift-giving.

7) You find fulfillment in giving

Imagine this scenario: You’ve found the perfect gift, carefully wrapped it, and watched as the recipient opened it with a smile. Now, how do you feel?

Those who genuinely love buying gifts for others often find a deep sense of fulfillment in giving. It’s not about the thanks they receive or the expectation of a return gift. It’s about the joy they see in others and the satisfaction they derive from causing that joy.

Perhaps you’ve experienced this. You’ve given a gift and felt a warm glow of happiness that outweighed any gift you could receive.

So, ask yourself: Do you find joy in giving? Do you feel fulfilled when your gift brings happiness to others?

If your answer is yes, then congratulations. You share a key trait with those who genuinely find pleasure in the act of gift-giving.

8) You’re thoughtful and considerate

Thoughtfulness and consideration are qualities that shine through in people who genuinely love buying gifts for others. It’s not just about the gift itself, but the thought and effort that goes into selecting it.

I remember a friend of mine who was always known for her thoughtful gifts. Once, she gifted me a book authored by a writer I had casually mentioned liking months ago. I was touched by her thoughtfulness, not just because she remembered, but because she took the effort to find a book by that particular author.

People like my friend, who enjoy the process of gift-giving, put a lot of thought into their gifts. They consider the recipient’s likes, dislikes, needs, and even their current circumstances.

9) It’s all about relationships for you

And here we are, at the final and perhaps most important trait of those who genuinely love buying gifts for others – it’s all about relationships for them.

Gift-giving, at its heart, is a way to strengthen bonds and express feelings. People who take joy in this process understand this deeply. They see each gift as an opportunity to connect, communicate and convey their affection.

They don’t see gift-giving as a mere transaction or an obligation. Instead, they view it as a chance to enrich their relationships and share a piece of their heart.

So, if your gift-buying ventures are driven by a desire to nurture your relationships, then you indeed share this significant trait with those who find genuine joy in the act of giving gifts.

What does your gift-giving style say about you?

Reflecting on your gift-giving habits can reveal more about yourself than you might think. It’s not just about the act of giving; it’s a mirror into your personality, your values, and how you connect with others.

Here are a few additional aspects you may want to consider:

• Your approach to budgeting for gifts: Are you extravagant or frugal? Do you believe in the sentiment ‘it’s the thought that counts’ or ‘the bigger, the better’?
• The occasions you choose to give gifts: Are there specific events you never miss? Or do you prefer spontaneous gift-giving moments?
• Your reaction to receiving gifts: Do you feel joy, discomfort, obligation? Your response could provide insight into your feelings about giving.

As we close this exploration of traits that define those who genuinely love buying gifts for others, take a moment to reflect.

What does your gift-giving style say about you?

Perhaps understanding this could be the greatest gift you give yourself.