America's Least Favorite Holiday Gifts
Posted: December 1st, 2023 Categories: Gifts Author: Simon Ward
Christmas is a time for giving - whether that's Loungefly backpacks or Christmas sweaters. But what about when a gift is unwanted?
In our quest to uncover America's least favored Christmas gifts, we conducted a survey of 3,000 individuals across the nation. We posed a simple yet telling question: "What is the worst Holiday gift that you have received?"
The answers we received were both intriguing and enlightening. Below, we reveal the surprising findings of our survey:
Our survey reveals America's least favorite Christmas gifts with a twist of humor. Diet books and weight loss memberships, disliked by 28%, top the list, sending a not-so-subtle hint about holiday weight. Close behind are mismatched donations at 18%, like supporting cat causes for those allergic to cats.
The survey also highlights the relationship stakes in gifting. A quarter feel their partner's gifts lack thought, and 39% see thoughtless gifts as potential deal-breakers. The way a gift is presented matters to 63%, while 47% equate a gift's cost with its emotional worth. Interestingly, 65% say a gift can change their perception of the giver forever.
Choosing gifts for in-laws is a source of stress for 50%, underscoring the complexity of holiday gifting and its profound impact on personal relationships.
Key Findings
- Diet Books or Weight Loss Memberships (28%): Tops the chart of 'no-thanks' gifts. It's like saying, "Merry Christmas, now let's talk about those extra pounds!"
- Donations to Causes You Don't Like (18%): It's the thought that counts, but sometimes that thought is way off target. "Thanks for donating to the Society of People Who Prefer Cats Over Dogs, but I'm allergic to cats!"
- Personal Hygiene Products (16%): Nothing says 'I care' quite like a stick of deodorant. "Merry Freshness to you!"
- Unasked-for Self-Help Books (11%): These scream, "Here's a guide to fixing your life!" even when you didn't ask for one.
- Cleaning Supplies or Vacuum Cleaners (10%): Because nothing spreads holiday cheer like a reminder of chores.
- Books on Social Skills or Manners (8%): A subtle nudge that says, "You could use a little refinement."
- Bulk Packs of Mundane Items (4%): Socks and batteries, the go-to for when you're totally out of ideas.
- Office Supplies (3%): Nothing like a stapler to remind you of the office during the holidays.
- Beginner's Cookbooks (2%): Perfect for the 'chef' whose specialty is burning water.
Methodology
Online panel survey of 3,000 adults based on age, gender, and geography. Internal data sources are used to obtain population data sets. We used a two-step process to ensure representativeness through stratified sampling and post-stratification weighting.
