UK Shoppers to discard £55 worth of unwanted Christmas gifts annually

A recent poll of 2,000 adults who celebrate Christmas has found that, on average, they receive two gifts each year that they don’t really need or want.

As a result, many people have opted to donate these unwanted presents to charity or re-gift them, while others have even sold them on resale platforms like eBay or Vinted.

This trend has led to an estimated £55 worth of gifts being discarded or re-purposed per adult per year, with bath sets, socks and underwear, and candles being the most unpopular gifts.

The study also revealed that nearly half (49%) of respondents would prefer to receive travel or holiday vouchers instead of traditional presents. Concert, theatre, or spa day tickets were also high on the wish list.

Half of those surveyed prefer experience-based gifts as a way to create meaningful memories with loved ones, while 49% are eager to try something new. Additionally, 45% believe that experience gifts are more unique.

Notably, 13% of respondents said they would be willing to forgo receiving gifts altogether if their friends and family contributed to their travel fund instead.

According to Paul Bixby, chief commercial officer at Easyjet Holidays, who conducted the study: “As Christmas approaches, we are seeing a shift away from traditional presents our parents would have received, to gifts that create lasting memories for those who receive them, including holiday vouchers and experiences.”

The study also found that the average spend per gift this Christmas is £77, with Baby Boomers being the most generous generation, with an average total spend of £337. While Gen Z is expected to spend the least, averaging £230 on all their presents.

However, it seems many are clueless about what to gift their loved ones, with clothing, food items and books topping the list of popular ideas for 2024. With a third resorting to gifting cash in an envelope due to a lack of inspiration. 

Following on the study found many are looking forward to the new year, with 30% setting a goal to travel more in 2025. Among these, Italy emerged as the top destination travellers wish to visit, followed by Spain and Greece.