The Journal of Consumer Psychology released a study that says gift recipients place high expectations on elegantly wrapped gifts, which can often lead to disappointment when they see what they're actually getting.
It's human nature. When you're handed something that looks like a work of art created by a domestic god or goddess, it's easy to assume that what's inside is just as awesome. But, if the package is plain and a bit sloppy the recipient doesn't expect much.
Researchers and professors from the University of Nevada, Reno tested this hypothesis and it proved true on all counts.
However, researchers also warned that while sloppy wrapping may be fine for friends, when exchanging gifts with acquaintances, gift recipients use the neatness of the wrapping paper as indication of how the gift giver values the relationship.
Jessica Rixom, an assistant professor of marketing at the University of Nevada, Reno said "If someone is questioning whether a gift is desirable for a friend and they try to make it more appealing by wrapping it well, this strategy may backfire in the end," says Rixom. "On the other hand, it may be wise to go the extra mile with wrapping when giving a gift to an acquaintance."
Photo by Nicole Honeywill / Sincerely Mediaon Unsplash