Nearly half of Brits prefer travel vouchers over traditional Christmas presents

3 hours ago 5

Life & Style
Easyjet

Tired of unwanted gifts? You're not alone. A recent study shows a growing preference for experience-based presents

Close up shot of unrecognizable young woman tying a gold colored ribbon in a bow on top of a Christmas present.

Brits sell off £55 worth of unwanted gifts each year(Image: Getty Images)

A survey of 2,000 adults who celebrate Christmas revealed that they receive an average of two gifts each year that they confess are unnecessary. Consequently, nearly half have donated their presents to charity or re-gifted them.

Some have even profited by selling unwanted items on resale sites like eBay or Vinted. This results in an average of £55 worth of gifts being discarded per adult annually, with bath sets, socks and underwear, and candles being the most unloved presents.

The research indicated that 49% would prefer a travel or holiday voucher over traditional gifts. This was closely followed by tickets to concerts, theatre and day spas.

Half of these individuals would rather receive experience gifts to create meaningful memories with loved ones, while 49% are eager to try something new. Moreover, 45% believe an experience gift is more unique.

Interestingly, 13% would opt out of receiving any gifts if it meant family and friends could contribute to their travel fund instead.

Paul Bixby, chief commercial officer at Easyjet who conducted the study, commented: "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."

Brits would prefer gifts that contributed to their travel plans(Image: Getty Images)

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The study disclosed that Brits spend an £77 per gift this Christmas, with Baby Boomers being the most generous generation, spending an average total 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 being the top choices for 2024. As a result, a significant 28% are resorting to gifting cash in an envelope due to a lack of inspiration.

The study also revealed that looking forward to the new year, 30% plan to travel more in 2025. Among these, Italy (27%) emerged as the most desired destination, followed by Spain (23%) and Greece (22%).