eBay Australia has uncovered which gifts will get consumers on the nice list, or the naughty list, with cleaning supplies (39%), weighing scales (26%) and clothes that aren’t the right size (23%) considered the three least thoughtful gifts, according to its newly commissioned research.
The research found that close to three-quarters (73%) of Australians agree it’s important to give thoughtful gifts. As for what makes a gift thoughtful, sentimental value(43%), personalisation (42%) and practicality (41%) are the three most important factors.
However, despite thoughtfulness ranking high on Australians’ wish lists this Christmas, eBay’s research found that one in four (25%) are still opting to purchase gift cards.
For those who don’t get it right, there’s a one in 10 chance (13%) that the gift recipient will re-gift the item or a nearly one in five (18%) will store it away out of sight.
Some of the most thoughtful gifts received during the festive period include camping equipment, Bluetooth speakers, coffee makers, designer handbags, fishing gear, gaming consoles, polaroid cameras, smartwatches and sporting merchandise.
eBay Australia chief marketing officer, Rebecca Newton said, “While eBay research shows that almost three-quarters of Australians think that giving meaningful Christmas gifts is important, it can be difficult to find the perfect gift when everyone has different hobbies and passions.
“Our top searches on eBay reflect the diversity of Australians and the things they love, from collectible cars to LEGO, Pokemon and luxury brands like Louis Vuitton. This year, we want to encourage Australians to give just the thing for their loved ones this Christmas, whatever they’re into.”
Despite inflation and cost of living pressures, the research shows 74% plan to spend the same amount or more on Christmas gifts this year compared to last year, with two in five (39%) respondents saying they’ll spend more than $500 on gifts this festive season.
Millennials and Gen X are more likely than their younger and older counterparts to spend/expect to spend more on Christmas gifts this year ($694.19 and $647.94) compared to Gen Z ($412.41) and Baby Boomers ($517.68).