A UNR study reveals that how you wrap gifts matters, but it depends on the relationship between you and the recipient.
The study surveyed sloppily wrapped gifts to neatly wrapped ones and how they were perceived by who was opening them. The study found that poorly wrapped gifts lowered expectations making the recipient pleasantly surprised at the present inside. Yet that was found only to be true with established friendships, and the opposite was found to be true in acquaintances. If you are getting to know someone, your wrapping prowess can signify your value in the relationship. A neatly wrapped gift shows you hold value and can impact how they see the gift.
The study was completed in October by Jessica M. Rixom, Erick M. Mas, and Brett A. Rixom and was published in the Society for Consumer psychology online journal.
