While as a nation we are expected to spend an average of £321 on gifts each this Christmas, Brits admit to receiving an average of two gifts a year that are unwanted.
Two in five (42%) have admitted to donating gifts to charity they’ve received in the past, with a further third (37%) re-gifting them, or selling them on a resale site such as eBay or Vinted (16%), leading to an average of £55 of gifts being discarded per adult each year.
Instead, 49% would choose a travel or holiday voucher over traditional presents like clothing, gadgets or jewellery, followed closely by concerts (41%), theatre tickets (41%) and a day spa (33%), according to a new survey of 2,000 UK adults by easyJet holidays
Further, one in 10 (13%) would forgo receiving any gifts in favour of family and friends helping top up their travel fund instead.
Half of Brits (50%) cite the reason as wanting to create meaningful memories with loved ones, while 49% have a desire to try something new, and 45% believe an experience gift is more unique.
Looking to the new year, 30% will be setting a goal to travel more in 2025. Of those travelling in the new year, Italy (27%) was named the #1 bucket list destination, followed by Spain (23%) and Greece (22%).
The top 10 experience Christmas presents Brits would like to receive:
- Travel/holiday vouchers (49%)
- Concert tickets (43%)
- Theatre tickets (41%)
- Day spa (33%)
- Private dining experiences (19%)
- Tickets to a sports game (16%)
- Wine tasting tour (12%)
- Cooking classes (12%)
- Outdoor adventure (e.g. rock climbing/canyoning) (9%)
- Museum membership (9%)
The study also revealed an average spend of £77 per gift this Christmas, with Baby Boomers being the most generous generation, spending an average of £337, and Gen Z spending the least on average (£230).
When it comes to gifting others, many Brits have no idea what to buy for their family and friends, with clothing (48%), food items (46%) and books (44%) the most popular ideas for 2024. And 28% reluctantly putting cash in an envelope.
And the most unwanted gifts this Christmas? Bath sets (41%), bath products (38%), practical gifts such as socks and underwear (30%), and candles (28%)
Paul Bixby, Chief Commercial Officer at easyJet Holidays, said: “As Christmas approaches, it’s interesting to see a shift away from traditional presents previous generations would have received, to gifts that create lasting memories for those who receive them, including holiday vouchers and experiences.
“For those looking to give the gift of travel this festive season, we’re meeting this demand, offering a range of brilliant holidays at unbeatable prices, with over 7000 hotels in more than 100 beach and city destinations, to ensure your Christmas gift is remembered into 2025 and beyond.”
Showcasing the importance of experiences over material gifts, easyJet holidays hosted a Santa’s Grotto pop-up in December, offering children the choice between a wrapped gift or an envelope with a surprise holiday voucher inside. Eight children chose the envelope meaning their families received a free holiday, creating the most unforgettable Christmas memories.
Tags: Paul Bixby, easyJet holidays, research