Sure, we all know that love is not for sale, and that the most valuable gifts in life are free. But in certain circumstances, as a token of affection, encouragement, and support, a small material gift can be priceless. Research explains.

Holly S. Howe et al. (2024) in a piece aptly entitled “Money Can Buy Me Love,” investigated how gifts can be a more effective type of social support than conversations.[i] In seven studies, including one involving in-person gifting, they found that bestowing a small material gift such as flowers or a candy bar was more effective in improving the affect of the receiver than having a supportive conversation with a close other. They explained that apparently, in contrast to conversations, gifts are perceived as more receiver-focused because they are done solely to benefit the recipient. They explain that the difference in perceived sacrifice results in gifts being more successful in encouraging emotional recovery than........

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