logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2024
46m 27s

The Secret to Gift-Giving

Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam
About this episode

With the holidays fast approaching, many of us are hunting for that special something for the special someones in our lives. It’s how we show we care about them. So why is it so hard to find the right gift? This week, we revisit a favorite 2022 conversation with researcher Jeff Galak. We'll discuss why the presents we give for holidays and birthdays often miss their mark, and how to become a better gift-giver. 

Looking for a holiday gift for a fellow Hidden Brain fan? You can now give a gift subscription to Hidden Brain+! Or if material gifts are more your style, go to shop.hiddenbrain.org to find Hidden Brain t-shirts, mugs, stickers and more.

Up next
Oct 6
Love 2.0: How to Fix Your Marriage, Part 2
When things go wrong in our relationships, we often try to change the way our partners behave. But usually, trying to fix a person only makes things worse. Last week, we talked to psychologist James Cordova about why this tendency can be so damaging, and what to do instead. This ... Show More
1h 44m
Sep 29
Love 2.0: How to Fix Your Marriage, Part 1
Many love stories end when the characters are still in the heady, euphoric early stages of a relationship. But what comes after that intoxicating first phase of love is over? Today, we kick off a new series on the challenges specific to long-term relationships. We'll talk with ps ... Show More
1h 41m
Sep 22
Passion vs. Paycheck
The idea of being driven by a calling goes back centuries. It was the language used to describe religious people who were called to the priesthood. Today, millions of people in secular professions yearn to be similarly galvanized by their work. This week, researcher Jennifer Tost ... Show More
53m 25s
Recommended Episodes
Dec 2024
#76 Getting a gift (Med)
Learn how to talk about getting a gift for someone. Plus, find out what the Secret Santa tradition is all about. 
11m 55s
Dec 2024
#76 Getting a gift (Med) - د انګلیسي ژبې زده کړه: ډالۍ (تحفه) ترلاسه کول
Learn how to talk about getting a gift for someone. Plus, find out what the Secret Santa tradition is all about. - د انګلیسي ژبې په دغه پوډکاسټ کې د سترګو د ډالۍ ترلاسه کولو په اړه خبرې کول زده کړئ. 
12m 42s
Dec 2024
ATG 206: 10 Game-Changing Gifts That Will Wow Everyone on Your List
I love a good list, especially when it’s packed with amazing gift ideas. This year, I’m sharing 10 of our family’s favorite finds from 2024—things we’ve bought, loved, and can’t stop talking about. From a tiny acorn-growing vase to the Finish Journal I helped design, these are gi ... Show More
18m 39s
Dec 2024
Overcoming Gift Giving Overwhelm
Gift giving analysis paralysis is a real thing, and this week, Kat is talking about why the season of giving can be so stressful sometimes. Then, she shares a special mental health minded gift guide to help promote simple gift ideas that anyone can benefit and find joy from!   Ka ... Show More
31m 32s
Dec 2021
Gifts From the Heart
Save your money and give your partner a gift from the heart. On this episode of Small Things Often, learn how to bring them joy with simple gestures that’ll show how much you care. 
3m 53s
Mar 2023
S13 Ep11: Threads of Gifts
Read along in Restless - Chapter 12 Today we are talking about your gifts—the things God has given you to make Him known in the world. If you are a follower of Christ, you have unique gifts. Listen as Jennie shares how to discover your giftings, how to use your gifts, and how to ... Show More
21m 27s
Sep 25
The 2025 Ig Nobels, Part 2
The Ig Nobel Prizes once more honor ten studies that make us laugh, but then make us think. In this episode of Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Robert and Joe continue their annual tradition of discussing some of their favorites from this year’s winners. See omnystudio.com/listener for p ... Show More
56m 45s
Dec 2023
3.3 - "You'll Log"
Series 3 brings 2023 to a close with a festive special that reaches the parts that other festive specials don't reach... 3D programmable tree lights, the real reason people kiss under the mistletoe and a disappointingly bleak Laboratory Christmas Party take us into the new year w ... Show More
35m 46s
Aug 2024
More Happier: The Fun of an Unexpected Gift, Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders, and Herding the Cats During Holidays
We talk about the happiness that comes from getting a gift we don’t expect, and we discuss some quality screen time. We also consider the question: Does every family need a holiday-tradition-enforcer?Get in touch: podcast@gretchenrubin.comFollow on social media:@GretchenRubin on ... Show More
22m 56s
Aug 3
Talk Tracks Ep. 15: The Physiology of Nonspeakers
In this foundational episode, we explore the physiology behind the nonspeaking autistic population—unpacking apraxia, sensory processing, and the often-misunderstood physical behaviors of nonspeakers. Featuring insights from a visionary optometrist, a functional neurologist, and ... Show More
41m 18s