Words Laura Potter. Photograph Getty
Worried about how your Christmas present is going to go down with its recipient? Here’s a nifty little trick to make them fall in love with it – simply say you loved it so much you bought one for yourself as well! A new US study asked hundreds of people to rate how likable, thoughtful and considerate they would find a long list of gifts, and how likable, thoughtful and considerate the gifts would be if the accompanying card said, ‘I hope you like the gift. I got myself the same one, too!’ This simple statement boosted scores even for dull-sounding items such as staplers, umbrellas and socks! It works regardless of how close you are (useful for those hard-to-pick Secret Santa gifts) – but remember, you only get the boost if you say you bought it for yourself as well; simply saying you heard it was good doesn’t cut the mustard. The researchers call the technique ‘companionising’, and the thinking is that it makes the recipient feel they’re more like you, which strengthens your bond. Genius!