A recent survey conducted by Slevomat in collaboration with Behavio Labs has unveiled that Czech citizens collectively spent half a billion crowns on unwanted Christmas gifts last year. The study sheds light on the least appreciated gifts, with sweaters and bathroom accessories topping the list of disliked items. Surprisingly, the findings indicate a notable shift in preferences, as 67 percent of respondents express a preference for cash in an envelope this holiday season.

The survey indicates that one in three Czechs discovered at least one unwanted gift under their Christmas tree in the previous year. The age group most dissatisfied with their gifts was individuals aged 25 to 34. Among the respondents, more than a third expressed disappointment with gifts valued up to 500 crowns.

Traditional soft gifts, often clothing items like socks or sweaters, ranked as the most unwanted presents, closely followed by hard gifts such as books or electronics. Ladislav Veselý, the director of Slevomat, notes that bath accessories, funny gifts, perfumes, and sweaters were consistently mentioned as the worst gifts.

Interestingly, the survey highlights a changing trend in gift preferences. A significant 75 percent of respondents express a desire for handmade gifts, showcasing an appreciation for personalized and thoughtful presents. Additionally, 67 percent favor receiving cash in an envelope, while 63 percent welcome vouchers for experiences like holiday stays, wellness treatments, or adrenaline-inducing activities such as a skid school or shooting range.

The study also delves into the social dynamics of gift disappointment. More than half of recipients choose not to express their dissatisfaction to avoid offending the gift-giver. While two out of five individuals pretend to be happy, only six percent openly admit their disappointment. Furthermore, 40 percent of recipients hide the unwanted gift after unwrapping it, and one in four Czechs opts to regift the item to someone else. A mere one percent of individuals take the route of returning the received item to the store.

In light of these findings, the survey highlights the evolving landscape of gift-giving preferences in Czech culture and underscores the significance of thoughtful, personalized presents over traditional material items.

Article by Prague Forum