# The gift-giving trap of narcissists

> Researchers reveal how narcissists weaponize generosity to boost their image, not to help others.
- Title: The gift-giving trap of narcissists · Psychologies | Shortify
- Summary: Researchers reveal how narcissists weaponize generosity to boost their image, not to help others. Narcissists give gifts for different reasons depending on…
- Keywords: narcissism, gift-giving, personality psychology, narcissistic admiration, narcissistic rivalry, manipulation tactics, colleen kirk, journal of personality, research study, behavioral patterns, trap, narcissists
- Source: Psychologies — https://psychologies.com/moi/moi-et-les-autres-moi/Ce-geste-que-lon-prend-pour-de-la-gentillesse-peut-parfois-cacher-une-personnalite-narcissique-alertent-des-chercheurs-586393
- Author: Louise Leboyer
- Published: 2026-09-17T14:03:09+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: narcissism, gift-giving, personality psychology, narcissistic admiration, narcissistic rivalry, manipulation tactics, colleen kirk, journal of personality, research study, behavioral patterns
## Kindness can mask narcissism
Researchers studying gift-giving found that seemingly generous behavior may actually reveal narcissistic traits. What looks like thoughtfulness could be driven by the need for admiration rather than genuine care.
## Two types of grandiose narcissism
Researchers identified two distinct subtypes within grandiose narcissism: admiration narcissism, where people build themselves up, and rivalry narcissism, where they tear others down to feel superior.
## Admiration narcissists give more gifts
People driven by admiration narcissism give more gifts and are more likely to give to close friends. However, their gifts tend to be impersonal and chosen to enhance their own image rather than please the recipient.

> If someone covers you or bombards you with gifts during the holidays, you may be dealing with an admiration-driven narcissist. But don't expect thoughtful or personalized gifts.
## Rivalry narcissists avoid close friends
Rivalry-driven narcissists are less likely to give gifts to close friends but more generous with acquaintances. They avoid strengthening bonds with people they see as potential competitors.
## Different motivations, same goal
Both types use gift-giving strategically but differently. Admiration narcissists seek validation through visible generosity, while rivalry narcissists use selective giving to maintain dominance and distance.
## Key takeaway

Narcissists give gifts for different reasons depending on their type: admiration-driven narcissists give more gifts but impersonal ones to look good, while rivalry-driven narcissists avoid gifting close friends to maintain superiority.