As we deck the halls and get merry, a staggering half of Brits are bracing themselves for the annual disappointment under the Christmas tree.
Topping the list of lacklustre presents are none other than those ubiquitous bath bubbles. Yes, 39% of Brits have declared that a bottle of ‘smellies’ is about as original as a re-gifted fruitcake.
It seems that even the quirky novelty of ties with Santa doing the Macarena or jumpers that sing “Jingle Bells” (both snagging a 34% eye-roll rate) can’t out-bore the banal bath set.
And don’t even get us started on clothing—32% of Brits would rather find coal in their stocking than another ill-fitting sweater.
A report by thortful—a company that knows a thing or two about meaningful gifting—reveals Brits squander a WHOPPING £1.5 billion on unwanted trinkets and knick-knacks each year.
It’s no wonder two-thirds of us are thinking of swapping those throwaway gifts for experiences that don’t end up in the back of the closet or, heaven forbid, the bin—where, by the way, 5% of gifts shockingly end up, much to the horror of gift-givers everywhere.
While nearly 69% of polite Brits would rather smile and nod than confess their dislike for a gift, a solid 30% are veterans at feigning joy over yet another pair of generic socks.
But here’s a heartbreaker: a third would prefer skipping the gift exchange altogether rather than unwrapping another uninspired gift.
Meanwhile, 43% would swap any old present for a thoughtful Christmas card filled with heartfelt words.
Pip Heywood, Managing Director at thortful, champions a more sentimental approach: Pip Heywood, Managing Director at thortful, which commissioned the research said: “A meaningful message can often mean more than a last-minute, impulse purchase.
Our research shows we’re a sentimental nation that appreciates a heartfelt message over wasted presents. This Christmas, we are encouraging more thoughtful, meaningful connections across the nation.”
And if you think your city has it bad, spare a thought for Leicester, where residents have splurged at least £240 on gifts destined for oblivion over the past five years.
| UNINSPIRING GIFTS INCLUDE… |
|---|
| 🛁 Bubble bath |
| 💣 Bath Bombs |
| 🧦 Novelty socks |
| ☕ Slogan mugs |
| 👕 Clothing you don’t need |
| 🩲 Underwear |
| 👕 Slogan t-shirts |
| 📚 Books you didn’t want |
| 🍴 Useless kitchen gadgets |
| 🧴 Bad smelling perfume |
Meanwhile, the savvy savers of Leeds are holding onto their purses, with only £148 wasted on unwanted gifts.
So, this Christmas, let’s put a cork in the bottle of bubbles and raise a toast to gifts that matter. It’s time to think outside the gift box and give a little more thought, a lot more heart, and maybe a touch more sparkle.