Christmas Re-Gifting Soars as Brits Get Savvier
A new survey by online fragrance giant Perfumedirect.com reveals more than half of UK shoppers (57%) plan to re-gift this Christmas—up a whopping 35.5% from last year.
Why Are Brits Re-Gifting?
- Save Money: 58% say it’s a smart way to cut costs during the festive splurge.
- Eco-Friendly: 12% want to reduce waste and be socially responsible.
- Habitual: 6% admit they always keep presents aside for re-gifting.
Interestingly, it’s not always because they dislike the gift. Only a third admitted to re-gifting items they didn’t like. Others said they didn’t need the item (23%), already owned it (9%), or simply wanted to save cash by passing on luxurious things (27%). A cheeky 7% also said they re-gift because the original giver wouldn’t notice.
What Happens to Unwanted Gifts?
- 51% donate unwanted pressies to charity.
- 19% sell them on for a quick buck.
- 15% simply bin them.
- 10% stash them away in the loft.
Re-Gifting: The New Christmas Norm?
The survey of 1,899 UK adults found re-gifting is more popular—and accepted—than ever before. Over half (55%) believe it’s now socially acceptable, while only 33% say it’s a definite no-no.
Almost half (48%) wouldn’t mind receiving a re-gifted present, so long as it’s thoughtful. On average, households expect to hand out three re-gifted items this festive season. Also, 33% admitted they consciously save gifts throughout the year to pass on later.
Women Lead the Re-Gifting Charge
Women are the queens of re-gifting, making up 78% of those who do it, compared to just 19% of men.
Top Re-Gifted Items to Watch For
- Health & Beauty: Bath sets top the list, followed by body lotions and fragrances.
- Bubbly & Chocolates: Champagne and sweets are popular festive hand-me-downs.
- Least Re-Gifted: Clothing, including the classic Christmas socks, rarely get passed on.
Beware! One in ten Brits admitted to the cringe-worthy social slip of re-gifting back to the original giver.
Expert Take: Re-Gifting Done Right
Jonny Webber from PerfumeDirect.com said: “Re-gifting used to be hush-hush, but now it’s a savvy way to save cash and cut waste. It’s more about being mindful than throwing away unwanted stuff. There’s even etiquette involved!”
He added, “The rise in pre-loved fashion and savvy gift buying, like snapping up Black Friday bargains to stash for later, shows a shift in thinking. Fragrances are perfect for re-gifting since they’re classics without expiry dates.”
“Just keep track of who gave you what to avoid embarrassing gift returns. And don’t give the same gift back within the same social circle—that’s a recipe for awkwardness!”
