Article
Details
Citation
Branco-Illodo I & Heath T (2020) The 'perfect gift' and the 'best gift ever': an integrative framework for truly special gifts. Journal of Business Research, 120, pp. 418-424. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.11.012
Abstract
Scholars and practitioners often consider the ¡®perfect gift¡¯ to understand the qualities of the most cherished gifts or to encourage givers to choose such gifts. Whilst useful, this represents a utopian view of gift-giving. This study explores the concept of ¡®best gift ever¡¯ through 35 in-depth interviews in order to understand the properties of significant gifts as defined by givers and receivers. Findings reveal that the ¡®best gifts ever¡¯ are often associated with unforgettable and life-changing experiences. These properties are compared with those of the ¡®perfect gift¡¯ to produce an integrative framework for truly special gifts. Specifically, this paper: 1) identifies the properties of ¡®best gifts ever¡¯ as distinct from ¡®perfect gifts¡¯; 2) uncovers insights into the ¡®perfect gift¡¯ beyond the existing conceptualization; and, 3) integrates the ¡®best gift ever¡¯ and the ¡®perfect gift¡¯ into a unified framework capturing what makes a gift successful.
Keywords
gift-giving; gift-receiving; perfect gift; best gift; successful gifts
Journal
Journal of Business Research: Volume 120
Status | Published |
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Publication date | 30/11/2020 |
Publication date online | 23/11/2019 |
Date accepted by journal | 04/11/2019 |
URL | |
ISSN | 0148-2963 |
People (1)
Senior Lecturer in Marketing, Marketing & Retail