New research has revealed that a significant majority of people in the UK are not holding onto presents that miss the mark. A study commissioned by Confused.com found that eight in ten Brits would either return, regift, or sell an unwanted gift.
How Brits are Dealing with Unwanted Presents
The survey of 2,000 adults, conducted by OnePoll.com, uncovered the most common tactics for dealing with less-than-perfect presents. Almost half of respondents (47%) admitted to regifting an item, a move that saves money on future presents. Meanwhile, 31% have exchanged an unwanted gift, and 19% have returned it outright for a refund.
Notably, over a quarter (27%) have tried to make cash from their unwanted items by selling them online, making an average of £30 per sale. This pragmatic approach shows a nation keen to recoup value from gifts that don't suit their taste or needs.
Understanding Your Rights to Return or Exchange
Nicola Morgan, a personal finance expert at Confused.com, provided crucial guidance on consumer rights. She highlighted that while the Consumer Rights Act 2015 allows for returns and exchanges, retailers are not legally obliged to accept unwanted items and often set their own conditions.
"There’s no legal obligation for stores to accept returns or exchanges for unwanted items," Morgan explained. "Doing this usually comes with a few conditions. For example, there is usually a time limit for returns and exchanges – often 28 to 30 days from purchase."
She noted that many stores extend this period over Christmas. The key requirement is proof of purchase, so asking the gift-giver for a receipt is essential. Without it, an exchange may be at the store's discretion, potentially for a lower sale value. Getting cash back can be trickier, as refunds typically go to the original payment method.
The Most Commonly Returned Gifts and Why
The research also pinpointed the gifts most likely to be passed on and the reasons behind it. The top motives for getting rid of a gift were:
- Simply not liking it (47%)
- The item being the wrong fit or size (45%)
- Already owning it (39%)
When it comes to the types of gifts returned, clothes top the list, accounting for 49% of cases. They are followed by accessories (25%), beauty or personal care items (20%), shoes (19%), and home goods (18%). These items often depend heavily on personal taste, making them risky gift choices.
For those who do return or exchange, the outcome varies: 40% received a gift card, 34% got store credit, 35% obtained cash, and 21% had money refunded to a card.
Morgan's final advice for future gift-giving seasons is to consider having open conversations with friends and family about providing gift receipts, offering more freedom to easily exchange items that aren't quite right.
