Excellent post @doitvoluntarily! I definitely believe that we are a LOT happier when we receive unexpected gifts as opposed to when we receive gifts due to obligation.

For example, imagine it's Christmas morning and you have already told your parents that you want a new Playstation 5 (yup, waaay in the future). So when Christmas morning arrives and you unwrap your presents to find that shiny new game console, you're of course happy but at the same time, you were expecting it in the first place so you don't appreciate it as much.

Now imagine that your parents already told you a few weeks ago that money is pretty tight these days, so they won't be able to buy you any presents this year; what a bummer! You're disappointed but you understand their limitations, so you console yourself by walking past Best Buy every evening. Then on Christmas morning, your parents do a complete 360 and end up buying you that wicked new game console you always wanted (they heard you whispering PS5 in your sleep)! You are beyond overjoyed as you unwrap your present, hug your parents as hard as you can and then race outside with your PS5 held up high above your head, like a badge of honor! Wow, what a rush - and it was all thanks to receiving an unwanted gift.

By the way, the two aforementioned scenarios were based on my own personal experience ;)