Gift-giving is a universal practice, centered around letting your nearest and dearest know you want to celebrate them on a special occasion, or simply just because they deserve it. But the etiquette surrounding gift-giving? That’s up for debate.
So, what is considered rude or the ultimate no-no when it comes to gifting today? We surveyed over 1,000 Americans to uncover their true feelings and conflicting opinions about gift-giving etiquette, and the results may surprise you.
Key Findings
- Re-gift fail: 53% of Americans say the rudest move is passing off a used or opened item as new.
- Backhanded gifts flop: Over half of Gen Z (53%) and Millennials (57%) say the worst offense is giving a gift that feels like a subtle dig, like a diet book.
- Boomers say no to price tags: One in four Boomers think leaving the receipt on a gift is just plain rude.
- Self-serving gifts miss the mark: 26 states are aligned, you should never give a gift that’s clearly more suited to you than the giftee.
- Group gift cringe: Women are 37% more likely than men to find it rude when someone is singled out with a gift at a non-celebratory gathering (26% vs. 19%).
Top Gifting Etiquette Faux Pas, According to Americans
- Passing off a clearly used or open item as new (53%)
- Giving a gift that subtly implies a criticism (52%)
- A gift that appeals to the giver more than the recipient (30%)
- Making it obvious the gift was a last-minute purchase (23%), Bringing a gift to a group setting that singles someone out (23%)
- Leaving the receipt attached to the gift (20%)
We’ve all been there before, unwrapping a gift and slowly realizing that it’s been opened before and maybe even used. According to our study, this is the biggest gifting faux pas, with over half (53%) of Americans agreeing.
Right behind the top gifting blunder is giving a gift that implies a criticism of the recipient (52%). Americans say it’s time to put down the gift that comes with a hidden message, like a self-help book you didn’t ask for.
The younger generations overwhelmingly agree, with over half of Gen Z (53%) and Millennials (57%) respondents giving a red flag to a gift that feels like a subtle dig. Remember, there’s no harm in some detective work; ask family and friends for pointers if you’re stuck on the perfect gift!
Gifting is all about creating memorable moments of joy and celebration, rather than subtle interventions. While it’s true in some cases that it’s the thought that counts, 30% of Americans say they can tell when a gift is more appealing to the gift giver versus the receiver. So instead of gifting them a cooking class for your favorite cuisine, think about their taste buds.
The good news is that thoughtful gifts go a long way. Nearly a quarter (23%) of Americans say it’s rude when a gift is clearly a last-minute panic buy, so don’t discount the value of keeping notes on what your friends and family have been into lately. Think twice about gift-giving in a group setting, too. Singling someone out with a gift at a non-celebratory event can feel uncomfortable, according to 23% of people surveyed.
While 1 in 5 Americans (20%) say yes, it’s rude to leave a receipt attached to a gift, it’s Boomer gift givers who are most likely to consider this a major gifting misstep. One in four Boomers believe that where you got your gift from and, importantly, the price of it, should stay hidden.
The Rudest Gifting Etiquette in Each State Revealed
The gifting etiquette debate doesn’t stop at a national level. Each state has made up its own mind on the gifting behavior that is the ultimate offense.
Picking a gift the giver would want was voted as the ultimate faux pas across 26 states, including Nebraska (56%), Arizona (53%), and Illinois (42%).
Not everyone likes to be the center of attention and have a gathering made into a personal celebration they weren’t aware of, and 12 states agree. Instead, it’s a safe bet to give your gift while you’re one-on-one with the recipient, plus this creates a meaningful opportunity to connect and celebrate. In particular, be mindful to opt out of this gifting approach in Tennessee (48%), Louisiana (42%), and Arkansas (40%).
We know our words leave a lasting impression, and receiving a blank card without a hint of personality is a surefire way to come across as rude to gift-getters in Michigan (33%) and Texas (25%). Your personal note doesn’t have to be an essay; try adding a small reference to your relationship that only they would understand. As the survey found, it will go a long way!
If you’re finding it challenging to think of a gift that aligns with the giftee more than what’s on your wishlist, why not consider an experience delivered straight to their inbox? Use our gift finder tool and explore the experiences you can gift in New York, California, and Washington D.C. There’s truly something for everyone, and they can book at a time that best suits their schedule.
How To Create A Memorable Gifting Moment
The survey findings are clear on one thing: there’s no one correct way to gift, but that’s the magic of it!
While gifting etiquette will constantly change and evolve, here are three steps to help you research and select a gift that will be remembered.
- Don’t be afraid to play detective!
Even your closest friends and family might not have mentioned the gift that’s currently at the top of their list, so reach out to your circle of mutual connections for inspiration.
This can also give you the gifting edge – there’s no better feeling than giving a gift that ticks all the boxes!
- Thoughtful gifts start with unforgettable moments
Nobody wants a gift that sits to collect dust, and with survey findings suggesting that gifts with a personal touch are still extremely important, what’s better than gifting a lasting memory?
Whether the lucky recipient is an adrenaline and adventure seeker who would love nothing more than to drive a supercar, or if they would prefer a zen-filled spa treatment, you can find the perfect experience to gift them.
If you’re still not 100% sure on the perfect experience to gift, let them choose with a Virgin Gifts eGift Card. Then you can follow up on their selection to know for your next gifting occasion!
- Add a personalized note
Whatever you decide to gift, let the thought behind the gift shine with a personalized message or card.
As we mentioned, your note doesn’t have to be a novel – just a simple reference to a past memory or an explanation of why you chose this gift for them will add the cherry on top to the celebration that’s coming up.
Summary
We hope our study findings have inspired you ahead of the next gifting celebration that’s on your calendar. With the gifting etiquette advice on hand and inspiration on how to create a memorable gifting moment, you have the tools to give a gift with thought and care at its center.
Ready to gift the perfect experience? We’ve got you covered. Start your search for the gifting green flag here!
Methodology
To explore region preferences surrounding gift-giving, we surveyed 1,010 American consumers. This sample size provides a 95% confidence level with a low 3% margin of error. Because this exploratory research relied on self-reported data, respondents may have biases, and discrepancies may exist between their answers and their actual experiences.
