Unlock Stress-Free Holiday Shopping: U of I's Mindfulness Breakthrough

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CHAMPAIGN-URBANA, Ill. (WCIA) — At the University of Illinois, researchers are exploring thoughtful approaches for holiday gift-giving that benefit both loved ones and the broader community.

Cele Otnes, from the Gies College of Business, recently spoke with Amanda Brennan from WCIA 3 about the intersection of ethics, well-being, and care in holiday shopping. Otnes has co-authored a study focused on the concept of mindful gifting.

Otnes explains that mindful gifting involves considering the effects on oneself, society, and the environment. This mindfulness extends beyond ecological concerns to include financial, emotional, and relational aspects.

She emphasizes that mindful gifting involves prioritizing local businesses over trending, mass-produced items. Otnes highlights the significance of supporting local enterprises to bolster community economies while selecting gifts that offer lasting value.

“It simply means don’t get caught up in this huge frenzy about what’s the latest thing on Amazon that we have to buy to make our kid happy,” Otnes said. “It means to think about, ‘Is this going to be in the garage sale next year? Is this a gift that will actually be long lasting? Does it further any goals that we might have–for example, supporting our businesses in the community?’”