Let’s face it, that wacky Christmas sweater from Aunt Mildred isn’t exactly your style. Good news! Regifting isn’t taboo, it’s trending! New research from eBay Ireland reveals that regifting and reselling is on the rise, with a whopping 67% of respondents admitting to passing on unwanted presents—the highest in Europe! Ireland’s regifting reign is followed by Germany (53%) and France (44%) who trail behind in comparison.
From Taboo to Trendy
Only 15% of Irish people perceive regifting/reselling unwanted gifts as disrespectful to the gift giver. Ireland has made it clear that we see the practical and environmentally responsible side at 43% and 20% respectively. With 66% of us receiving unwanted/unliked Christmas gifts last year, Irish consumers are embracing the circular economy, proving that one person's unwanted gift is another's treasure. And what better place than eBay to find your unwanted gifts a new loving home?
What is Getting Regifted?
Home décor, clothes/accessories, and books top the regifting charts. Mismatched tastes (62%) and prior ownership (57%) are the usual suspects. So, what happens to these unwanted gifts? 42% of people donate to charity, 45% regift, and a savvy 17% are sold on platforms like eBay, giving these items a second life. Speaking of selling, 57% of those who sell their unwanted gifts aim to make between €21-€100
His & Hers Regifting Habits
The ladies are most likely to donate or regift, while men are more likely to give their unwanted presents. Women are also more likely to feel guilty about selling a gift to buy another. Meanwhile, men are saving their regifting earnings (53%), while women use them for Christmas bills (44%).
Festive Face off: Regifting across the country
Regional regifting/reselling habits add a festive twist. Leinster leads the way in regifting with 47% who have given their gifts to someone who may appreciate them more, followed by Ulster’s charitable donations (45%), and Munster who tend to keep their unused gifts (31%). The people of Leinster were revealed as the most likely to regift/resell presents if they misaligned with their taste (67%), Munster because they’ve already got one (59%), and Ulster (ROI) because the gift was too valuable to be kept unused (34%).
Regifting Remorse or Pragmatic Pros?
Dubliners were revealed by eBay Ireland to be the biggest pragmatists, viewing regifting/reselling as waste-avoidance (47%). Ulster (ROI) are the most likely to see it as responsible and sustainable (23%), while Connacht has a touch of regifting remorse (21% find it disrespectful). The fear of getting caught haunts Leinster and Connacht, reporting it has the main reason for holding back on regifting/reselling (27%), while Ulster (ROI) worries about seeming ungrateful (57%).
Top Insights into Irish perceptions of regifting/reselling unwanted gifts included:
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66% of respondents received unwanted/unliked Christmas gifts last year.
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67% of respondents have resold or regifted unwanted gifts in the past.
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Misalignment with tastes/preferences (62%) and prior ownership (57%) are cited as primary motivations for regifting/reselling unwanted gifts.
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The residents of Leinster were most likely to have re-gifted/ resold any unwanted gifts more than once at 48%, followed by the people of Connacht at 41%.
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57% of respondents selling unused Christmas gifts hope to make between €21 and €100.
This Christmas, join the circular economy movement and become a seller on eBay. It’s smart, sustainable, and a great way to declutter and earn. Visit www.eBay.ie to start selling today!
* Christmas study for eBay Ireland, carried out online with Bounce Insights from November 12, 2024 to November 14, 2024, with 1,043 adults aged 18 to 55+, representative of the Irish population.