Britain’s Most Regifted Christmas Gifts 2025 | Top 10 Revealed

Every December, millions of gifts are unwrapped across the UK – some thoughtful, some personal, and some destined for the back of a cupboard. From scent sets we’ll never use to pyjamas that don’t quite fit, not every gift is a keeper.

As Brits brace themselves for another season of debating what to gift, navigating family politics, and surviving questionable Secret Santa surprises, one trend is standing out: regifting is no longer taboo. Whether it’s to reduce waste, save money, or avoid clutter, we’re embracing a more practical way of passing on presents.

In fact, 83% of Brits admit they’ve rehomed, resold or regifted a present – proof that unwanted gifts rarely stay hidden at the back of a cupboard anymore. But what gifts get passed on the most? And what happens to the ones that miss the mark?

This Christmas, we dug into the nation’s gifting habits to uncover what items are most likely to be regifted, what Brits do when they don’t like a present, how Christmas dinner traditions are changing, and what stresses us most during the festive season.

Our investigation analysed:

• A survey of 2,000+ British adults (across age, gender and region)
• Top items most likely to be regifted or returned
• What really happens to unwanted gifts: donations, selling, returning
• Stress triggers and behaviours around festive gifting
• Emerging Christmas dinner trends
• Insights from an etiquette expert
• Seasonal search trends

What Brits Really Do with Unwanted Presents

For many of us, Christmas gifting comes with an unspoken rule: smile politely and say thank you – even if the gift isn’t something you’d ever choose for yourself.

This instinct to avoid awkwardness has shaped our habits over time. Almost half of Brits (47%) admit they’ve kept presents they didn’t like in the past, proving that the fear of hurting someone’s feelings often outweighs our dislike of the gift.

But what else happens when gifts miss the mark? Many choose generosity over waste – 41% have donated unwanted presents to charity, while a third have passed them on to someone else. Others take a more practical approach, returning items to stores (21%) or selling them online (14%).

Britain’s Regifting Habits

And then there’s the ultimate festive faux pas: regifting a present back to the person who gave it. While only a 3% forgetful few admit to doing this, that still equates to over two million Brits - a social nightmare most of us hope never to experience!

Interestingly, there are clear differences in how we handle unwanted gifts. Women are more likely to regift (38%), often treating it as a thoughtful way to match a gift to someone who’ll genuinely appreciate it. Men, on the other hand, lean towards turning a misguided present into cash, with 14% selling items online instead of passing them on.

In short, while regifting is becoming less taboo, our cultural instinct for politeness still runs deep, and sometimes it leads to some very British solutions.

The guide to thoughtful gifting: Etiquette Expert Advice

According to Laura, the key to successful gifting isn’t price – it's effort:

“It’s the care behind the gift that counts. Choosing something that reflects the recipient’s tastes, rather than panic-buying a generic item, instantly reduces the risk of it being passed on. Practical gifts, hobby-based items, or experiences are safer choices for people who are difficult to buy for.

“A nicely wrapped gift always makes a lovely impression, and if the recipient already owns the item, simply swap it politely. The key is to be gracious and accommodating.

“In workplaces and big families, agreed budgets avoid awkwardness, but most importantly, thoughtfulness matters more than value. Beyond that, you can include a discreet gift receipt when size or style may be wrong.”

Festive stress: Why Christmas still causes chaos

Christmas should be the merriest time of the year – but let’s be honest, it doesn’t always go smoothly. While the season is full of joy, there are certain stress triggers that can creep in and make things feel overwhelming. Understanding these pressure points can help you plan and keep festivities fun.

Our research shows that 73% of Brits feel some level of stress during the festive season, with juggling family politics topping the list (20%). From deciding who sits where at dinner to navigating regifting etiquette, these moments can feel awkward – but a little thoughtfulness goes a long way.

Hosting also ranks high on the stress list (19%). It’s not just about cooking the turkey; it’s the pressure to be the “perfect host”. If you’re a guest this year, remember to show appreciation for the effort involved.

Curiously, younger adults feel the tension four times more than retirees, while Londoners report the highest stress levels, with 80% admitting they feel frazzled at Christmas.

The good news is that knowing these stressors mean you can plan for them. Share hosting duties, set realistic expectations, and embrace flexibility. After all, Christmas isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection.

Sources & Methodology:

Primary:

• Survey of 2,002 British adults, split by age, region, and gender

Secondary:

• Google Trends for reactive hooks (e.g., spikes in “regifting,” “Secret Santa,” “unwanted gifts”).
• YouGov survey on Christmas Trends
• ONS Population Figures (for stat use)

Etiquette expert commentary around practical regifting tips and picking a well-considered gift.

Four core survey questions: 

• Gifts most likely to be regifted or returned
• Past behaviours (e.g., regifting, donating, selling)
• Christmas Dinner plans
• Biggest festive stressor

Data segmented by gender, age, and region for reactive angles