The Top Gifting Nightmares Before Christmas (and how to dodge them)

The Ghost of Gifting Disasters Past

The gifting disasters we all dread

The most common nightmare? Not having a clue what to buy someone, with 44% of shoppers admitting they’ve struggled to figure out the perfect present. Then there are the dreaded late deliveries—37% have waited on gifts that didn’t arrive in time, leaving them scrambling for last-minute replacements.

Awkward moments also top the list, with 37% of people caught out by someone gifting them a present when they didn’t have one to give back. And the frustration doesn’t stop there—a third of shoppers have found a gift they bought cheaper elsewhere, while another third admit to receiving a present they’d rather not have.

Even outside of gifting, festive mishaps are common. Over one in ten people have turned up to a cash-only venue without any cash (you’d think we’d have learned by now). For Gen Z, it’s even more likely, with 22% of them confessing to this classic Christmas fail.

How to avoid this nightmare before Christmas

Despite the potential for festive fiascos, there are ways to sidestep the chaos and make Christmas gifting a little easier. More than 40% of Irish shoppers are leaning towards thoughtful alternatives, like donating to charity on behalf of a loved one—a quick, meaningful option that ticks all the boxes.

For those who love a bargain, over a quarter of shoppers are making price comparisons to stretch their budget without sacrificing the quality of their gifts. Meanwhile, Secret Santa remains a lifesaver for many, with one in five households opting for this budget-friendly approach.

If you’re still stuck, teaming up with friends or family to split the cost of a big-ticket gift is another clever solution. Not only does it help your wallet, but it also ensures the recipient gets something truly memorable. And for the more practical side of Christmas, digital money transfers are on the rise, with 23% of people using apps to send or receive cash during the festive season—ideal for splitting the cost of dinners or sorting out that one mate who always forgets their wallet.

It'll be Stress-free this Christmas . . .

The festive season is never without its challenges, but with a little planning and some savvy thinking, you can dodge the worst of the gifting nightmares. Whether it’s price-checking, pooling funds, or simply going for a thoughtful donation, there are plenty of ways to avoid the stress and enjoy the season.

And if all else fails, a heartfelt “IOU” and a promise of something special in the January sales might just save the day.

This content is provided for informational purposes only. You should always obtain independent business, tax, financial, and legal advice before making any business decision.

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Research conducted by Censuswide in November 2024 and involved 1,000 consumers across Ireland.