Survey Finds More Than Half of New Couples Will Regift to Save Money this Holiday Season

(UNDATED) – A recent survey conducted by TopCashback.com, the USA’s most generous cashback site, reveals couples’ gift exchanging expectations for the most wonderful time of the year. 

The survey polled a cross-section of 2,174 adults, aged 18 and over, on their holiday gifting habits. 

While nine percent of Americans intentionally terminate a relationship to avoid gift-giving, the remaining 91 percent are thinking about that special gift for that special someone. 

To Gift or Not to Gift? 

Like first impressions, first gifts are of great importance with 3 in 5 Americans (60 percent) believing the amount of thought that goes into gift-giving directly reflects how much time you put into the relationship. 

On average, how much do you spend on a present? 

  • $51 to $100 (31 percent)
  • $26 to $50 (26 percent)
  • $101 to $150 (14 percent)

What types of gifts would you purchase for a new significant other?

  • Clothes (49 percent)
  • Perfume/cologne (44 percent)
  • Tech (41 percent) 

While men and women agree the first gift should be thoughtful (51 percent), there are notable differences between what type of gifts each party desires. 

Gifts women prefer (top three responses)

  • Jewelry (51 percent)
  • Gift certificates/gift card (46 percent) 
  • Perfume (45 percent) 

Gifts men prefer (top three responses)

  • Tech (59 percent)
  • Clothes (37 percent) 
  • Gift certificates/gift card (29 percent)

What they’re actually getting… (top five go-to gifts)

  • Clothes (49 percent)
  • Perfume/cologne (44 percent)
  • Tech (41 percent)
  • Tickets to an event (36 percent)
  • Jewelry (31 percent)

Gift-Giving Etiquette

In addition to gaining insight on types of presents, TopCashback.com asked participants to weigh in on holiday etiquette and found that 61 percent of couples do not include a gift receipt with the present. The survey also discovered that nearly two-thirds (65 percent) would not be offended if their partner dislikes their gift. 

While gift cards can be considered one of the easiest presents, Americans are torn on whether they would gift one.

Do you believe giving a gift card for your first holiday season together is impersonal?

  • Yes, they’re impersonal (41 percent)
  • They’re fine (34 percent)
  • They’re appropriate as long as it is not the only gift (26 percent) 

With the holidays coming up in the next few weeks, you may have an idea about what you’re purchasing your new beau, but what about their family members?

Do you buy a gift for your significant other’s family?

  • Yes (62 percent)
  • No (38 percent)

Is spending the first holidays with your new significant other’s family too soon? 

  • Yes (45 percent)
  • No (55 percent)

Sleigh Bells or Wedding Bells?

Surprisingly, more than half (62 percent) of couples still buy a gift for each other even if the relationship is destined to end.

And nothing says commitment like engagement, but be warned: 31 percent of respondents believe that getting engaged during the holidays is a tacky idea.

Budgeting Around the Holidays

More than half of new couples (54 percent) say they established a budget for their holidays together.   

What was the agreed budget? 

  • $51 to $100 (31 percent)
  • $26 to $50 (21 percent)
  • $101 to $150 (14 percent)
  • $151 to $200 (10 percent)

Would you regift to save money? 

  • Yes (55 percent)
  • No (45 percent)

Santa’s Helper? 

New couples are not ashamed of hinting. Almost two-thirds (63 percent) of participants are guilty of dropping hints about what they want for the holidays. 

Do you peek and look for your gifts? 

  • Yes (28 percent)
  • No (72 percent)
Rebecca Gramuglia, personal finance and shopping expert at TopCashback.com

“Keep in mind that there are many ways to save on all types of gifts this holiday season all while making a good first impression,” says Rebecca Gramuglia, personal finance and shopping expert at TopCashback.com. “And guess what? Being smart with your finances is pretty attractive, too.”