Selfless Brits love to treat their loved ones to little surprises – saying this feeling of giving makes them feel better than a long soak in the bath, or cooking their favourite meal.
A survey of 2,000 adults found that one in four enjoy “a spring in their step” for the rest of the day after surprising someone, while 34% say it helps boost their own mood.
The top ways in which those polled like to surprise others is through a new experience (28%) or activity (20%) – while 18% will simply spoil them by treating them to an unexpected biscuit when making them a hot drink.
And 34% prefer to give, rather than receive – with 46% saying that small surprises are more effective than grand gestures like expensive dinners or an overnight stay in a swanky hotel.
The top things that put a smile on people's faces include receiving a bouquet of flowers, waking up to sunshine, finding a treat left on your desk at work – and getting an unexpected delivery through the post.
And 26% said giving a surprise makes them happier than if they were to enjoy a solo pamper session.
The research was commissioned by French biscuit brand, LU, to highlight its new Le Petit Ganache biscuit.
TV presenter, Fred Sirieix, who is working with the brand to surprise the public at a pop-up in Soho, said: “For me, the best part of surprising someone is seeing the love register on their face when they realise someone they appreciate has been thinking of them.
“Today, we’re helping people feel and taste the love by surprising them with a French bakery in the middle of London.”
The study also found that when receiving a surprise, 48% feel appreciated, 36% get comfort from knowing they are in someone’s thoughts, and 43% feel loved.
And four in ten feel cared for, while 23% enjoy the feeling of being supported, according to the poll, carried out via OnePoll.
Charlotte Parkes, at LU, said: “Our research has shown that we all love to receive a surprise, so we’re delighted to surprise people with our chocolatey filled biscuit.
“Bringing a French pâtisserie to the nation’s capital gives us a chance to treat people to an unexpected experience, whilst they taste the love baked into our biscuits.”
LU’s pop-up is located at NoHo Showrooms, 67 Great Titchfield St., London, and will be open between 11am and 6:30pm on Wednesday, 5th April only.
TOP FIVE THINGS SURPRISING A FRIEND IS BETTER THAN:
- Going for a walk
- Finishing all your household chores
- A long soak in the bath
- Cooking your favourite meal
- Watching your favourite TV show
