When it comes to wrapping gifts, it’s easy to feel pressured and be extravagant.

Some people place gifts in boxes, use fancy bows or even – in the case of Rowan Atkinson playing a shopkeeper in Love Actually – add dried lavender to make the gift smell nice.

But now, in welcome news to many, experts have discovered that most people prefer to receive gifts in simple packaging.

And they are likely to view overly wrapped gifts as “thoughtless,” the researchers found.

A team from Beijing University of Technology and Commerce examined what people thought about overwrapped gifts through a series of studies involving more than 2,600 participants.

One study asked people to rate their feelings about a gift after presenting it in three types of packaging: overwrapped, plain wrapped, and unwrapped.

Another asked participants to imagine giving or receiving a gift – excessively or normally wrapped – from a close or distant friend.

The analysis found that gift-givers tend to prefer overwrapping, believing it shows they are thoughtful.

Some people place gifts in boxes, use fancy bows or even – in the case of Rowan Atkinson playing a shopkeeper in Love Actually – add dried lavender to make the gift smell pleasant.

News that will be welcome to many: experts have discovered that most people prefer to receive gifts in simple packaging.

However, recipients tended to favor simple packaging, viewing extravagance as thoughtless and too focused on packaging.

When the occasion was obligatory or the relationship was distant—for example, an office gift exchange—negative views of overpackaging were stronger.

When the occasion was voluntary or the relationship was close — like a good friend’s birthday — overpackaging didn’t affect opinions as much.

Lead author Haijiao Shi said: “Donors view overpackaging as a thoughtful gesture, while recipients often view it as wasteful.

“Our study highlights the importance of understanding these different perspectives, suggesting that simpler packaging could improve recipient satisfaction.”

The study, published in the Journal of Retailing, reads: “Have you ever received and unwrapped a gift that seemed excessively wrapped?

“It may come with an exclusive carry bag, multiple layers of wrapping paper, nested boxes, an abundance of bows or ribbons, unnecessary decorative elements, and various other decorative elements that contribute to a lavish yet gift presentation often unnecessary.

“When receiving overly wrapped gifts, recipients have to dig through many layers to get to the gift itself, leading to a frustrating experience.

“Additionally, recipients must find a way to dispose of extra packaging materials, which causes additional inconvenience.”