The Psychology of Gift-Giving

Psychology Today | 09.01.2026 22:03
The art of gift-giving is one of civilization’s oldest and most universal rituals practiced by many nations. From early tribal exchanges to modern acts of corporate diplomacy, the practice of gift-giving has long served as a social exchange that projects respect, gratitude, and affiliation between parties. It functions not merely as an exchange of gifts but as a symbolic language of emotion, status, and connection.