Life’s best little surprises include receiving a bouquet of flowers

Life’s best little surprises include receiving a bouquet of flowers, waking up to sunshine – and getting an unexpected delivery through the post. A poll of 2,000 adults found 46 percent think small surprises are more effective than grand gestures, such as expensive dinners or an overnight stay in a swanky hotel.

Other things that put a smile on people’s faces include finding a treat left on your desk at work, and being given a hot drink with your favourite biscuit served on the side.

It also emerged 34 percent prefer to give rather than receive, as it significantly boosts their mood (34 percent), and puts a “spring in their step” for the rest of the day (25 percent).

And 26 percent 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 28 percent of adults like to surprise loved ones with a new experience, while a fifth get pleasure from treating those close to them with a new activity.

For the foodies among us, 18 percent get satisfaction from spoiling them with an unexpected biscuit when making them a hot drink.

When receiving a surprise, 48 percent feel appreciated, 36 percent get comfort from knowing they are in someone’s thoughts, and 43 percent feel loved.

And four in ten feel cared for, while 23 percent 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.