A recent study has shown that many individuals are comfortable giving unwrapped gifts during the festive season, with men nearly twice as likely as women to do so. The survey, conducted among 2,000 adults, found that one in six participants sees no issue with presenting Christmas gifts without wrapping.
Among younger generations, the trend is more pronounced. Approximately 20% of Gen Z and Millennials believe it is perfectly acceptable to give an unwrapped gift, compared to just 8% of those aged between 61 and 79. The survey highlighted that 19% of men admit to giving gifts without wrapping, while only 10% of women do the same. Additionally, men are significantly more likely to delegate gift-wrapping duties, with 17% passing the task to someone else compared to 7% of women.
The research was commissioned by DFS, a popular furniture retailer, to coincide with the launch of its Guaranteed Christmas Delivery service for a wide range of products. As part of this initiative, all sofas in its Derby store were gift-wrapped, and a competition was announced for ten customers to win their sofas for free.
Kellie Wyles, a spokesperson for DFS, emphasized the importance of managing holiday stress. She stated, “Christmas is a time of celebration, but never-ending to-do lists ahead of the big day can often contribute to heightened emotion.” The Guaranteed Christmas Delivery service aims to alleviate some of that pressure, ensuring homes are ready for the festive season. Wyles noted that there are still many products available for timely delivery before December 25.
The survey also revealed that 29% of respondents dislike wrapping gifts, and a significant 79% admitted to struggling with gift selection for certain individuals. Partners pose the most significant challenge, followed by parents and children. As a result, many individuals procrastinate their shopping, with 16% waiting until Christmas Eve to make their purchases, adding to the festive thrill.
Despite this, the majority, 62%, prefer to organize their gift-buying well in advance of December 25. Approximately 27% begin their preparations as early as November. Many shoppers aim to save money by spreading costs, with more than a quarter targeting Black Friday as an ideal time to shop.
The preparations for Christmas extend beyond just wrapping gifts. The survey found that 50% of participants undertake a thorough clean or tidy up before the holiday, and one in four rearrange furniture to accommodate guests. Additionally, 20% of respondents have considered purchasing new furniture in the lead-up to Christmas, with sofas, dining tables, and soft furnishings at the top of their lists.
In conclusion, Wyles remarked on the diversity of holiday approaches, stating, “Whether you’re a meticulous wrapper or more of a last-minute gifter, our research shows that everyone approaches Christmas differently.” DFS aims to support customers during this busy time, whether through timely furniture deliveries or inspiration from their festive preparation guide.
