The last time someone gave you a gift, did the price tag flash before your eyes, or was it the uncanny way it fit your mood? Here's a confession: a handpicked, $12 paperback on 'quiet courage' once lifted me out of a dreary January better than any luxury cologne. Researchers and real-world behavior back this up—gifts that echo emotional resonance routinely outperform anything extravagant or generic. In a world where technology and data are tuning into our feelings more than ever, it's worth asking: What do people actually want, and how can we get it right?

Tossing Out the 'Perfect Gift'—Real Data, Real Surprises

For years, the search for the “perfect gift” has driven people to chase trends, splurge on luxury brands, and second-guess every purchase. But as research shows, what truly matters isn’t the price tag or the prestige—it’s the personal touch. The latest data from digital gifting platforms and AI-powered assistants like Gimmie.ai is turning old assumptions upside down, revealing what recipients actually remember and cherish.

Personalization Resonates More Deeply Than Price or Brand

Behavioral analytics are clear: personalization wins. According to insights from Gimmie.ai, users are three times more likely to save or favorite gifts that carry emotional relevance—think “comfort,” “support,” or “hype”—over high-end or luxury items. This shift isn’t just anecdotal. Studies indicate that people consistently rate gifts higher when they feel seen, understood, or remembered in a meaningful way.

“People don’t remember how much you spent. They remember how much it felt like you saw them.”

It’s not about the dollar amount. It’s about the story, the context, and the emotional connection behind the gift.

Luxury Items Are Easily Forgotten; Meaningful Context Sticks

Luxury goods may dazzle in the moment, but research shows they’re quickly forgotten if they lack personal significance. Emotional analytics from gifting platforms reveal that recipients often struggle to recall expensive gifts after a few months—unless those gifts were tied to a specific memory, inside joke, or shared experience. In contrast, even modest gifts that reflect the recipient’s current needs or interests tend to stick in their minds.

Real-World Scenario: The $12 Book That Speaks Volumes

Consider the difference between gifting a pricey gadget and a thoughtfully chosen paperback. A $300 device might impress at first, but a $12 book that perfectly mirrors someone’s current chapter in life can leave a lasting mark. For example, one Gimmie.ai user shared that a friend sent them a novel about overcoming burnout just as they were navigating a tough time at work. The book wasn’t expensive, but the timing and relevance made it unforgettable.

This trend is echoed in broader consumer behavior. Research from 2024 shows that supportive, emotionally attuned gifts—like care kits, personalized playlists, or comfort items—are gaining ground, while generic luxury presents are losing their luster. The data suggests that people crave gifts that say, “I noticed you,” not just “I spent a lot.”

• Personalization is now the top driver of gift satisfaction.

• Gimmie.ai users are 3x more likely to save emotionally-relevant gifts over luxury goods.

• Luxury items without context are quickly forgotten.

• Even small, meaningful gifts—like a $12 book—can have a profound impact.

As digital gifting tools and emotional analytics become more sophisticated, the science is clear: the most memorable gifts aren’t the most expensive—they’re the most personal.

Support, Not Solutions: Shifting the Purpose of Presents

Gift-giving is evolving. Recent research shows that the most valued presents are those that offer support, not solutions. Instead of focusing on fixing, improving, or optimizing someone’s life, today’s top gifts are about providing comfort, relief, and acknowledgment. This shift is backed by both behavioral data and emotional analytics, painting a clear picture of what recipients truly appreciate.

Since 2021, there has been a significant rise in searches for gifts tagged with terms like “stress relief,” “burnout,” and “quiet care.” According to gifting platform data, supportive gifts are rapidly gaining ground, outpacing traditional “achievement” or “self-improvement” items. People are looking for presents that say, “I know you’re carrying a lot, and I want to help lighten the load.”

This trend is especially visible among younger generations. Gen Z and Millennials are more likely to seek out and receive gifts that focus on emotional well-being, such as care kits, calming products, and tokens of acknowledgment. These gifts are not just thoughtful—they’re practical, and they reflect a deeper understanding of what it means to be present for someone. As one industry expert notes,

“People want to feel seen, not fixed. The best gifts are those that affirm where someone is, not where you think they should be.”

On the flip side, gifts that fall into the “self-improvement” or “fix you” category consistently underperform—unless the recipient has specifically asked for them. Studies indicate that items like productivity planners, fitness trackers, or motivational books can unintentionally send the wrong message. Unless requested, these presents may imply that the recipient needs to change or improve, which can feel more like criticism than care.

So, what are people actually choosing? The best sellers in today’s gifting landscape include:

• Care kits: Thoughtfully curated boxes with teas, snacks, cozy socks, or soothing balms.

• Calming items: Weighted eye masks, aromatherapy candles, or soft blankets that invite relaxation.

• Acknowledgment tokens: Personalized playlists, nostalgic trinkets, or handwritten notes that say, “I remember what matters to you.”

Behavioral data from digital gifting platforms supports these trends. For example, gifts tied to emotional keywords like “comfort” or “support” are three times more likely to be favorited than high-end or luxury items. This suggests that emotional relevance far outweighs price when it comes to gift satisfaction. As gifting becomes more data-driven, retailers are also responding by offering more personalized and customizable options—making it easier for shoppers to select gifts that truly resonate.

Ultimately, the science of gifting in 2025 is clear: presence and emotional intelligence matter more than ever. Supportive gifts that acknowledge someone’s current state—without trying to change it—are not just a trend, but a reflection of a broader cultural shift toward empathy and genuine connection.

Timing is Everything: When the Unexpected Makes the Biggest Impact

Gift-giving has always been about more than just the item itself. Recent research and behavioral data are now confirming what many have long suspected: when a gift is given can matter just as much—if not more—than what’s inside the box. In fact, gifts that arrive outside of traditional holidays or birthdays are often the ones that leave the deepest emotional imprint.

Studies indicate that “just because” gifts—those sent without a calendar-driven reason—consistently outperform obligatory presents in terms of emotional impact. According to data from digital gifting platforms, gifts sent off-calendar see notably higher open rates and more enthusiastic responses. This isn’t just a fleeting trend; it’s a shift in how people experience being seen and valued.

Why do these unexpected gifts resonate so strongly? The answer lies in the emotional signals they send. A present received on a random Tuesday, with a note that simply says, “Thinking of you,” feels less transactional and more genuine. It’s not about checking a box or fulfilling a social expectation. Instead, it communicates, “I noticed you—even when you weren’t asking for attention.”

Behavioral analytics from platforms like Gimmie.ai reveal that these off-calendar moments create what researchers call “emotional spikes.” Recipients report feeling surprised, delighted, and, most importantly, deeply seen. One user shared,

“The best gift I got all year wasn’t for my birthday or Christmas. It was a tiny care package from a friend after a tough week. It made me feel like someone was really paying attention.”

This trend is backed by hard numbers. Data shows that gifts sent outside major holidays have up to 40% higher open rates and are twice as likely to prompt a heartfelt thank you or follow-up message. The emotional return on investment is clear: the less expected the gift, the more memorable it becomes.

It’s not just about timing for the sake of novelty. The context matters, too. Gifts that arrive during stressful periods, after a challenging event, or in the midst of everyday life can offer a kind of support that scheduled gifts rarely match. For example, supportive gifts aimed at stress relief or burnout—like a calming tea set or a weighted eye mask—are especially powerful when given “just because.”

Gen Z and Millennials, in particular, are driving this shift. Research shows these generations are more likely to value spontaneous gestures over traditional gift-giving occasions. They see gifts as a form of emotional check-in, a way to say, “I’m here for you,” outside the boundaries of the expected.

For retailers and brands, this insight is reshaping strategy. Many are now leveraging data analytics to identify moments when a customer might appreciate a surprise, using personalized recommendations and real-time triggers to prompt off-calendar gifting. The result? A more human, emotionally intelligent approach to gift-giving—one that prioritizes presence over performance.

Wild Card: From Analytics to Authenticity—How Tech Enhances Human Touch

Gift-giving has always been about connection, but the way we choose and deliver gifts is changing fast. Today, technology is quietly transforming the experience, making it more personal, more meaningful, and—ironically—more human. The rise of AI gifting assistants, emotional analytics, and personalized digital services is not just a trend; it’s a response to what people actually want from gifts in 2025 and beyond.

AI-powered platforms like Gimmie.ai and Loop & Tie are leading the charge. These tools don’t just suggest generic items; they analyze emotional cues, past behaviors, and even subtle signals like mood or recent life events. The result? Recommendations that feel less like algorithms and more like thoughtful nudges from a close friend. Research shows that users of these platforms are three times more likely to choose gifts that match emotional needs—such as comfort, support, or celebration—over expensive or flashy items. This shift highlights a growing realization: people value being seen and understood far more than the price tag attached to their gift.

Digital gift cards and personalization services are also playing a big role in this evolution. No longer are gift cards the “easy way out.” Instead, they’re becoming vehicles for customization, allowing recipients to select something that truly fits their tastes or current needs. In fact, studies indicate that 55% of U.S. adults who celebrated the 2024 holidays received a gift card, with Gen Z and Millennials leading the way. This generational shift points to a broader acceptance of data-driven gifting, where flexibility and personal choice are prioritized.

The emotional intelligence embedded in today’s gifting platforms is changing how people feel about giving and receiving. Platforms like Gimmie.ai and Loop & Tie don’t just reduce the anxiety of picking the “perfect” gift—they foster confidence and minimize regret. Gift-givers report feeling more certain about their choices, while recipients experience a deeper sense of being known and cared for. As one user shared,

“It wasn’t about the price. It was that someone remembered what I was going through and sent something that fit that moment.”

What’s striking is how these advances don’t replace the human touch—they amplify it. The data is clear: supportive gifts, surprise timing, and emotional relevance have a bigger impact than ever. And as more people turn to digital tools for inspiration, the process becomes less about checking boxes and more about genuine connection.

In the end, the science of gifting is revealing what intuition has always hinted at: presence matters more than performance. Technology, when used thoughtfully, helps us notice the quiet needs, celebrate the small joys, and show up for each other in ways that feel authentic. As gifting becomes more data-driven, it’s also becoming more heartfelt—a trend that promises to make every gift a little more meaningful.

TL;DR: Gift giving isn't about extravagance, but about attention and emotional resonance. Lean on insights, not myths, for gifts people actually want.

Give with heart—and with data →