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Humans are often said to be not "rational animals" but "rationalizing animals." Above all, humans "desperately" dislike thinking. Despite weighing only 1.4 kg, or about 2% of our body weight, the brain consumes 20% of the body’s total energy. As a result, humans tend to minimize the use of their brains whenever possible.
Psychologists describe this tendency as "cognitive miserliness." Behavioral economics is the study of how these cognitively frugal humans make judgments and decisions. This article aims to present marketing and service strategies for the digital age, grounded in the scientifically proven principles of behavioral economics.

Gifts: The True Essence of Congratulations

Modern technology, like Facebook or KakaoTalk, frequently notifies us of friends' birthdays, making it easier than ever to exchange gifts or send congratulatory messages. Even I receive celebratory emojis or messages with flowers and cakes through these platforms. Often, I jokingly reply, "Shouldn't you at least send a mobile gift voucher for coffee or cake with your congratulations?" While said in jest, there’s some truth to it—true congratulations feel more genuine with a tangible token, even a single flower.
The Chinese characters for "congratulations" (祝賀) reveal an insightful etymology. The character "祝" signifies praying in a temple, while "賀" comprises the components "貝" (shell, or money) and "加" (to add), symbolizing "adding money." Therefore, congratulations without monetary value may fulfill the "祝" but fail to meet the "賀." Simply put, humans, being inherently materialistic, regard gifts as a sign of sincerity in celebrations.

Why Gifts Strengthen Relationships

Danish author Tor Nørretranders, in his book Why We Behave Nicely When We Fall in Love, presents a fascinating theory about gifts. Unlike mere transactions, gifts create lingering connections between people. While buying and selling concludes as soon as the deal is done, gifting leaves an emotional residue, signaling a desire for a relationship. This explains why couples in the early stages of love put so much effort into choosing gifts.
Gifts also carry a temporal dynamic—they are often reciprocated later rather than immediately, fostering enduring relationships. For instance, giving a birthday gift ties the giver and recipient together until the reciprocal gesture on the giver’s birthday. This delayed exchange strengthens the relational bond.

Gift Experiences, Not Possessions

With the advent of anti-corruption laws like Korea’s Kim Young-ran Act, people have become cautious about gift-giving. However, gifts remain a powerful tool for building goodwill. Choosing the right gift requires thought and wisdom; spending more money doesn’t necessarily guarantee greater appreciation.
The Psychology of Gift-Giving: How to Create Meaningful Connections Through Presents

Daniel Lee CEO & Cofounder, SodaGift

Whether you have family studying abroad, relatives who have emigrated, or if you find yourself overseas, there's often a need to send gifts across the globe. I've felt this need firsthand, wanting to send gifts for my sister's birthday or family occasions after she moved from Korea to Canada, but was deterred by the high costs and hassle involved.
The go-to method for many is buying gifts and shipping them through international courier services like EMS, DHL, or FedEx. According to a survey by SodaGift, 50% of those who have sent gifts abroad used these international shipping services. Interestingly, 31% admitted they abandoned the idea of sending gifts because they couldn't settle on a method.
The advantage of using international couriers is the ability to send items not available in the recipient's country. However, this comes with significant drawbacks, such as high shipping costs on top of the gift's price and the challenge of ensuring timely delivery due to the unpredictable nature of international shipments. There's also the hassle if the gift doesn't match the recipient's taste and needs to be returned or exchanged.
Here's a look at FedEx shipping rates from Seoul, South Korea to Los Angeles, USA as of March 2024, for a 2kg package measuring 30cm x 30cm x 20cm. The cost ranges between 160,000 KRW and 360,000 KRW (approximately $120 to $275 USD).
Source: FedEx, Price list for sending a 2kg box from Seoul to LA
What if you were to send a similar package from LA to Seoul? The cost ranges from $250 to $340 USD. And, the faster you need it delivered, the more it costs. If the gift's price is around $200, shipping costs can surpass the value of the gift itself.
Source: FedEx, Price list for sending a 2kg box from LA to Seoul
Still Sending Gifts Abroad the Old Way?

Discover the Secrets Behind the Worldwide Popularity of Korean Skincare

The global beauty market is constantly evolving, and in recent years, K-Beauty has emerged as a dominant force. From innovative skincare routines to high-quality products, Korean beauty brands are capturing the hearts of consumers worldwide. But what is driving this rise, and why is K-Beauty becoming so popular?

The K-Beauty Phenomenon

Korean skincare products have gained immense popularity due to their unique formulations, high efficacy, and the cultural emphasis on clear, healthy skin. According to a recent article from TribuneWired, the success of K-Beauty can be attributed to several key factors:
1.
Innovation and Quality: Korean beauty brands are known for their innovative products, such as essences, sheet masks, and snail mucin-based items. These products often incorporate natural ingredients and advanced technologies that appeal to consumers seeking effective and gentle skincare solutions.
2.
Affordable Luxury: K-Beauty offers a range of products that deliver high quality at affordable prices, making luxury skincare accessible to a broader audience.
3.
Influence of Korean Pop Culture: The global influence of K-Pop and Korean dramas has significantly boosted the popularity of Korean beauty products. Fans of these cultural exports are eager to emulate the flawless complexions of their favorite celebrities.

K-Beauty Data Insights

The global market for Korean skincare products has grown significantly. The demand for these products is not just a trend but a sustained movement, with projections showing continued growth in the coming years. According to GlobalData and Tribune Wired, the Korean beauty market is one of the top 10 global beauty markets and is estimated to be worth USD 21.8 billion by 2026. Additionally, South Korea is the world’s fourth-largest cosmetics exporter, following France, the United States, and Germany, with the U.S. being the third-largest market for South Korean cosmetic exports.

Introducing K-Beauty on SodaGift

To cater to the growing demand for K-Beauty, SodaGift is excited to announce the addition of top Korean skincare brands such as COSRX, Laneige, and d'Alba to our platform.
•
COSRX: Known for its highly effective and gentle skincare products, COSRX’s Snail Mucin 96% Power Repairing Essence is a top seller on Amazon. Gift the best in Korean skincare with this top-rated brand.
🇰🇷 🇺🇸 K-Beauty on the Rise: A Global Sensation
Mother's Day is a cherished occasion to honor the incredible women who have raised and inspired us. In the United States, where this celebration is warmly observed with gifts and tokens of appreciation, eGift cards present a practical and thoughtful option that lets moms select precisely what they love. Whether your mother in the U.S. enjoys staying active, indulging in beauty treatments, savoring gourmet meals, or shopping for the latest trends, there's an eGift card perfectly tailored to her interests. Here are some top recommendations across various categories to delight any mom this Mother's Day.

1. For the Sporty Mom

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Callaway: Perfect for the golf-loving mom, a Callaway eGift card can be the ticket to new golf clubs, balls, or accessories.
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Columbia Sportswear: Ideal for moms who love the outdoors, Columbia offers apparel and gear that combine style with functionality.

2. For the Beauty Lover

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Sephora: With an endless selection of beauty products, a Sephora eGift card is a makeup enthusiast's dream.
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Ulta Beauty: For the mom who appreciates beauty in all its forms, Ulta Beauty offers everything from cosmetics to skincare and haircare products.

3. For the Spa Enthusiast

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SpaFinder Wellness: Give the gift of relaxation with a SpaFinder Wellness eGift card, which can be used at thousands of spa locations.
•
Spa Week: Another excellent option for a spa day, allowing moms to indulge in massages, facials, and more.
The Perfect eGift Recommendations for Mother's Day
On April 25th, Min Hee-Jin, the CEO of Ador, leading the popular new K-Pop group NewJeans, held a live press conference that stirred considerable attention across South Korea. This event was a public stance by Min against the accusations from HYBE, her company’s parent company.

The Press Conference That Shook South Korea

The press conference was truly unprecedented. Min Hee-Jin appeared in an unusual outfit and confidently presented her arguments for over two hours, using informal language. This was all broadcast live on YouTube, streaming her unfiltered appearance and speech to the nation.
The press conference left much to talk. The hat and clothes worn by Min Hee-Jin quickly sold out, and numerous programs parodied her speech. The conference effectively shifted some of the unfavorable public opinion in her favor. However, unexpectedly, the real beneficiary of the conference was a traditional Korean dessert company called 'Myeonggadaondang Yakkwa.'
Image source: Namu Wiki, 'Yakkwa is a traditional Korean sweet pastry, deep-fried and soaked in honey.

The Real Winner of the Press Conference

During Min's speech, the company’s owner used YouTube's Super Chat to donate 5,000 won (around $3.7 USD) and posted a message in the chat window:
“Ms. Hee-Jin, feeling low? Try 'Myeonggadaondang Yakkwa' for a tasty boost!"
Image source: FM Korea
This message was pinned to the top and displayed to over 80,000 live viewers, greatly increasing the brand’s visibility. It went viral across various online communities, all for the cost of just a cup of coffee.

The Intersection of Real-Time Communication Media and Gifting

The Rise of Real-Time Media and the New Possibilities of Gifting
While many countries observe Mother's Day and Father's Day separately, S. Korea celebrates both on a single day, known as Parents’ Day, held annually on May 8th. This day, established as Parents’ Day in 1973 after originally recognizing only Mother’s Day since 1956, underscores the profound respect and gratitude traditionally shown towards parents in Korea.

The Importance of Parents’ Day in Korea

Known for its strong tradition of respecting elders, Korea places Parents’ Day alongside major holidays such as Christmas, Lunar New Year, and Chuseok in terms of gift-giving significance. Despite economic downturns, many Koreans prioritize saving to purchase gifts or give money to their parents on this day. This is particularly significant for those who are employed or living independently from their parents. At SodaGift, we've noticed that the average spending on Parents’ Day gifts is about twice that of other periods.

Cultural Traditions on Parents’ Day in Korea

One enduring tradition is the gifting of carnations, particularly red ones, which are symbols of love and gratitude. My own childhood memories of making a carnation and writing a heartfelt letter to my parents in school are now mirrored by my son. The days leading up to and including May 8th see numerous street vendors selling carnations, a sight that instantly reminds Koreans of Parents’ Day and the affection owed to parents.
Image source: Dangjin City Official Blog(https://blog.naver.com/dangjin2030/220998154261)

Top Gifts for Parents’ Day in Korea

The most popular gifts include carnation cakes, department store gift vouchers, fruit gift sets, Korean beef sets, and flower baskets. Carnation-themed cakes are a favorite, resonating deeply as the quintessential Parents’ Day gift. With Korea’s high smartphone penetration and the prevalence of eGift-compatible systems in offline stores, gift vouchers from leading department stores like Shinsegae, Lotte, and Hyundai remain in high demand.

Make Parents’ Day Special with SodaGift

This Parents’ Day, SodaGift offers a special promotion: a complimentary artificial carnation with each shipped gift order, available while supplies last. This service is particularly valuable for those residing overseas, allowing them to send a touch of nostalgia along with their gifts.
Celebrating Parents’ Day in Korea : A Blend of Tradition and Modern Gift-Giving
In today's fast-paced corporate world, recognizing and rewarding employees and clients has never been more important. As companies strive to create a positive work culture and maintain strong relationships with their partners, the need for a versatile, efficient, and globally accessible reward system is clear. Enter SodaGift for Biz, a pioneering platform that is set to transform how businesses celebrate achievements, milestones, and special occasions.

What is SodaGift for Biz?

SodaGift for Biz is an innovative global eGift rewarding platform tailored for the corporate sector. It offers a seamless, user-friendly solution for companies looking to send thoughtful gifts and rewards across the globe. Whether it's rewarding employees for their hard work, celebrating a client's milestone, or simply showing appreciation, SodaGift for Biz makes it easy and efficient.

Global Reach, Local Touch

One of the standout features of SodaGift for Biz is its global reach. With the platform, businesses can send eGifts to over 100 countries, ensuring that no employee or client is beyond the scope of recognition. Despite this extensive reach, the gifts feel personal and locally relevant, thanks to SodaGift's wide range of global brand partnerships.

Unique South Korean Catalogs

A distinguishing feature of SodaGift for Biz is its exclusive offering of South Korean catalogs, making it the only platform that provides access to a wide range of South Korean brands and merchandise that can be delivered locally. This unique selection caters to the growing global interest in South Korean culture and products, allowing businesses to offer their employees and clients unique gifts that stand out.

A Diverse Selection of eGifts

SodaGift for Biz boasts an impressive selection of eGift options, from popular retail and dining brands to entertainment and wellness services. This diversity ensures that companies can find the perfect gift to match the preferences of their employees and clients, making each reward feel personal and thoughtful.

Streamlined Gifting Process

Understanding the time constraints and operational complexities businesses face, SodaGift for Biz has streamlined the gifting process. The platform offers easy-to-use management tools that allow companies to send gifts in bulk, schedule gift deliveries, and track the status of sent gifts. This efficiency not only saves time but also enhances the overall gifting experience for both the sender and the recipient.

Why Choose SodaGift for Biz?

Revolutionizing Corporate Rewards and Recognition

Recently, I gifted porridge to a sick friend. It took less than a minute to buy and send the porridge via my phone, thanks to a Gifticon. Gifticon is the Korean term for eGift cards. In Korea, gifting and using Gifticons has become second nature. The fact that the leading brand in the Gifticon industry has amassed a transaction volume of 15 trillion won($11.2 billion USD) over seven years, and the emergence of a secondary market for Gifticon transactions, underscores its significant impact. Korea's advanced internet infrastructure and mobile industry have facilitated the rapid development of Gifticons.

Transition from Traditional Gift Cards to eGift Cards

eGift card image
Not only in Korea but globally, there's a swift shift from offline to online, and with just a smartphone, everything is at our fingertips. This evolution has led to the rapid replacement of traditional gift cards with e-gift cards.
According to PayNXT360, a provider of insights into the digital payment market, the loaded value of e-gift cards in the US is projected to reach $87 billion USD by 2025, with e-gift cards expected to account for over 60% of the gift card retail market.
Retail Consumer Digital Gift Card Market Size and Forecast by Load Value (US$ Million) and Digital Gift Card Penetration

Advantages of eGift Cards

As the market size and influence of eGift cards grow, let's explore the advantages they hold over traditional physical gift cards. The shift from offline to online has brought changes in all aspects.
1.
Convenience in Giving and Receiving: eGift cards can be exchanged without constraints on time, place, or method. Existing as links/images, they can be sent through email, messenger, etc., allowing the recipient to use them whenever desired.
2.
Cost-effective: The time and monetary costs associated with delivering a gift card in person are reduced. eGift cards can be delivered instantly, anywhere, anytime.
3.
Environmentally Friendly:
The Shift to eGift Cards

Kyle Lee (Sang Jae Lee) Marketer of SodaGift

When do you usually give gifts? Birthdays, anniversaries, holidays - there are many occasions. The tradition of giving and receiving gifts can vary greatly from one culture to another. Beyond universally recognized gift-giving days like New Year's Day on January 1st and Christmas on December 25th, let me introduce you to other occasions for exchanging gifts in the USA.

March, April - Easter: Celebrating New Life and Hope

Easter, marking the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is a significant Christian event that coincides with the beginning of spring. It's usually celebrated on the Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox on March 21st, making the date vary between March 22nd and April 25th each year. In the USA, families and friends go to church together, and children enjoy Easter egg hunts. Easter is a wonderful opportunity to convey gratitude to loved ones. Gifts like baskets, flowers, chocolates, eggs, and bunny-shaped candies are particularly popular. Eggs symbolize rebirth, and there's a tradition that bunnies bring these eggs.

May 12th - Mother's Day, June 16th - Father's Day: Gratitude for Endless Love

Mother's Day and Father's Day are among the occasions with the most gift-giving worldwide. Is any explanation needed for expressing love and gratitude on these days? In the USA, it's customary to gift flowers, including carnations, on Mother's Day. While gifting flowers is becoming more common on Father's Day, practical and personal gifts are still preferred. Remember, the best gift is spending quality time with your parents.

August - Back to School: Cheering for a New Start

The start of a new school term is also a great time for gifts. In the USA, students return to school at the end of the summer break, typically between late August and early September. The beginning of a new school year signifies an important change and a fresh start for students. It's a great opportunity to renew one's mindset with new school supplies, gadgets, and clothes.
When is the Best Time to Send Your Love to the USA?
In an era where technology seamlessly integrates into our daily lives, digital gifting has emerged as a popular and convenient way to show appreciation, love, and thoughtfulness to our loved ones, no matter the distance. The evolution of digital gifting platforms has transformed the way we think about giving, making it possible to send gifts across the globe with just a few clicks. One such service making waves in the digital gifting space is SodaGif, a cross-border gifting service that epitomizes the ease and joy of sending gifts to friends and family around the world.

The Digital Gifting Experience

Digital gifting offers a plethora of advantages over traditional gift-giving. For starters, it eliminates geographical barriers, allowing people to send gifts to anyone, anywhere, at any time. This flexibility is especially valuable in today's globalized world, where families and friends often find themselves spread across different countries and continents.
Moreover, digital gifts can be delivered instantaneously, making them perfect for last-minute presents. Whether it's a birthday, an anniversary, or just a spontaneous gesture of kindness, digital gifts ensure that you're always part of the celebration, even if you can't be there in person.
Another significant benefit is the wide range of options available. From eGift cards and subscription services to digital content like ebooks, music, and online courses, the variety of digital gifts caters to every interest and preference. This diversity not only makes gift selection more personalized but also ensures that gifts are both practical and appreciated.

Introducing SodaGift: Your Go-To for Cross-Border Gifting

Amidst the myriad of digital gifting platforms, SodaGift (sodagift.com) stands out as a premier service specializing in cross-border gifts. Founded with the vision to connect people across the globe through thoughtful gestures, SodaGift offers an innovative solution to the challenges of international gift-giving.
What sets SodaGift apart is its user-friendly platform and diverse selection of gifts suitable for any occasion. Whether you're looking to send a heartfelt birthday present, congratulate someone on a significant achievement, or simply brighten someone's day, SodaGift facilitates a seamless gifting experience.
The service's unique appeal lies in its ability to cater to various cultures and preferences, ensuring that your gift resonates with the recipient's tastes and needs. From popular eGift cards to bespoke gift baskets, SodaGift offers an extensive range of options to suit different demographics and interests.
The Rise of Digital Gifting: A Seamless Experience

7-Eleven / GrabFood / Jollibee / Puregold

Jenny Choi Marketing Manager, MD at SodaGift
Did you know that you can send gifts to the Philippines through SodaGift? With the Philippine gifting service that was newly launched last January, you can now send gifts to your precious family, friends, and acquaintances in the Philippines from anywhere in the world 24/7, in just 3 minutes! It seems that those who have been using SodaGift, as well as those who are new to it, are sending gifts without any difficulty. However, based on recent internal VOC analysis, it seems many are worried about whether the recipient can properly use the e-gift card locally. Therefore, we have prepared detailed instructions on how to use the e-gift cards for the four most popular brands in the Philippines, including videos of the actual usage process.

1. 7-Eleven

7-Eleven is the convenience store with the most branches in the Philippines, boasting over 3,000 locations. To use a 7-Eleven e-Gift Card, you first need to log in or sign up for the CLIQQ app. While it may feel somewhat cumbersome, using the CLIQQ app allows for balance management, earns points based on the amount spent, and even offers the advantage of being able to purchase products in advance through the app and pick them up at the store. Once registered on the CLIQQ app, you can make payments at any 7-Eleven store nationwide.
How to redeem using the CLIQQ app:
1.
Click 'Get your gift card' to view card details.
2.
Log in to the CLiQQ App.
3.
Click ‘Open Wallet,’ then click ‘Load Wallet’ and create a 4-digit PIN.
4.
Click the ‘Redeem code’ and type the code written on your Gift Card.
5.
Press ‘CONFIRM,’ and now you’re all set to shop anything in 7-Eleven!
Unlock the Joy of Gifting: Master the Top 4 eGift Cards in the Philippines!

Daniel Lee CEO & Cofounder, SodaGift

What is an e-Gift Card?

An e-Gift Card is the digital counterpart to the traditional paper or plastic gift cards, which can be effortlessly sent and received via email, text messages, or social media messaging platforms.
The e-Gift Card eliminates the need for sending or carrying physical cards, offering a convenient and environmentally friendly alternative. It is quickly becoming a favored new method of gift exchange in numerous countries.
One advantage of e-Gift Cards is that they can be easily and conveniently sent to people far away, without any geographical restrictions.

Advantages, Varieties, and Usage of e-Gift Cards

Unlike the traditional paper or plastic gift cards that require physical delivery, e-Gift Cards can be sent instantly through email or messaging services, enabling gift exchange anytime, anywhere, without geographical barriers.
The range of e-Gift Cards is vast, with most well-known retail brands offering them for easy purchase either directly through their websites or in stores, or via platforms selling e-Gift Cards from various brands.
Redeeming e-Gift Cards is straightforward: they can typically be used online by entering a code, or in physical stores by scanning a QR or barcode. The process is similar across different countries, but it’s important to remember that gift cards are often not interchangeable between countries. For example, a Starbucks gift card purchased in the US cannot be used in Korea. Always ensure the e-Gift Card you’re giving is valid in the recipient’s country.

Top 5 Tips for Effectively Using e-Gift Cards in the Workplace

At our company, specializing in e-Gift Card gifting services, we've found numerous effective ways to utilize e-Gift Cards. These tips are particularly beneficial for those engaged with international offices, agencies, global companies, or startups.
1.
Rewards for Customer Interviews
e-Gift Cards can be a good alternative as a reward for participating in customer interviews.
5 Great Tips for Using e-Gift Cards in the Workplace
For the past 16 years, gift cards have dominated holiday wish lists, becoming the go-to choice for many gift-givers. However, as technology evolves, so do our gifting preferences. In recent years, digital gift cards have surged in popularity, offering convenience and versatility to both senders and receivers alike.
Some may hesitate to opt for digital gift cards, fearing they might come across as impersonal or lacking in thoughtfulness. However, such concerns may not hold true in today's digital age. In fact, many recipients warmly embrace the idea of receiving digital gifts.
Here's why:
1. Personalization: Contrary to the belief that digital gift cards lack personal touch, they actually empower recipients to choose their desired products or services, ensuring they get something they truly want or need.
2. Convenience: Digital gift cards eliminate the need for physical cards, making them more convenient for both senders and recipients. They can be instantly delivered via email or messaging apps, sparing the hassle of mailing or delivering a physical card.
3. Environmental Impact: In addition to convenience, digital gift cards also offer environmental benefits by reducing paper and plastic waste associated with traditional gift cards.
While some may still harbor reservations about the perceived sincerity of digital gift cards, the reality is that they have become a widely accepted and appreciated form of gifting. In today's fast-paced world, where convenience and choice reign supreme, digital gift cards offer a thoughtful and practical way to show appreciation and celebrate special occasions.
Digital Gift Cards: Embraced with Ease

As it gets warmer, April has come with its gentle charm! Spring is slowly arriving, making the flower buds stir, and suddenly, cherry blossoms are blooming everywhere. Along with the exciting start of this new season, It looks like more and more couples around me are starting new journeys of love one by one. Everywhere I look, the air is tinged with pink hues these days.
On days when the weather is just right for a date, it feels like the longing grows stronger than the excitement for LDR couples. Wanting to see your beloved boyfriend becomes almost overwhelming, but flying to the US right away isn't exactly a walk in the park, right?
When you're feeling this way, why not consider sending a gift filled with longing and love?
If you've been scratching your head, wondering what gift to send to the US, you're in luck because this post is just for you!
[Best 6 Gift Ideas for American LDR Boyfriend!]
1.
Apple Gift Card
Best 6 Gift Ideas for LDR Boyfriend in the USA!