A surprising new study has revealed a growing trend that is set to challenge traditional Christmas customs: one in six adults sees nothing wrong with handing over a Christmas present without any wrapping paper.
A Generational Gift-Giving Divide
The research, which polled 2,000 people who celebrate Christmas, uncovered a stark generational divide in festive etiquette. It found that 20 per cent of Gen Z and Millennials consider it perfectly acceptable to give an unwrapped gift. This contrasts sharply with the older generation, where only eight per cent of those aged between 61 and 79 felt the same way.
The survey also highlighted a gender gap in gift presentation. Men are nearly twice as likely as women to forgo wrapping paper altogether, with 19 per cent of men admitting to the practice compared to just 10 per cent of women. Furthermore, men are much more inclined to delegate the task, with 17 per cent getting someone else to wrap their gifts versus only seven per cent of women.
The Festive Preparation Struggle
Getting ready for the Christmas period involves much more than just gift-giving, however. The study found that half of those surveyed (50 per cent) undertake a major tidy or deep clean in advance of the festivities. Meanwhile, one in four (24 per cent) rearrange their furniture to make space for visiting guests.
This focus on the home has led many to consider new purchases, with 20 per cent having thought about buying new furniture in the run-up to Christmas. Sofas, dining tables, and soft furnishings were the most sought-after items.
The Pressure of Festive Prep
The research delved into the aspects of Christmas preparation that people find most challenging. A significant 29 per cent confessed they hate wrapping gifts, and a overwhelming 79 per cent admitted they struggle to buy presents for certain people. Partners were identified as the most difficult to buy for (22 per cent), ahead of parents (14 per cent) and children (nine per cent).
When it comes to shopping habits, the nation is split. While the majority (62 per cent) prefer to get everything sorted well in advance, 16 per cent will be buying gifts right up until Christmas Eve. Interestingly, 21 per cent of those who leave their shopping late claim this last-minute approach adds to the festive excitement. For those who plan ahead, more than half (51 per cent) do so to save money and spread the cost, with over a quarter (27 per cent) targeting Black Friday deals.
The study was commissioned by furniture retailer DFS to mark the launch of its Guaranteed Christmas Delivery service. As part of the campaign, all the sofas in its Derby store were gift-wrapped and a competition was announced for 10 customers to win their sofa for free.
Kellie Wyles, a spokesperson for DFS, commented on the findings: "Christmas is a time of celebration, but never-ending to-do lists ahead of the big day can often contribute to the heightened emotion. We hope that our Guaranteed Christmas Delivery on selected ranges will help lighten the mental load." She added, "Whether you’re a meticulous wrapper or more of a last-minute gifter, our research shows that everyone approaches Christmas differently."
The research was carried out through OnePoll in November 2025.
