Skyscanner reveals the true fate of the holiday souvenir polling 1000 Singaporean travellers via OnePoll.com.
SINGAPORE – With the August holidays now long gone, leading global travel search site Skyscanner has discovered that those keepsakes brought back for nearest and dearest may already be in the bin.
Although buying a gift for someone back home may seem like a nice gesture, holidaymakers would be better to save their cash as nearly three-quarters (74%) of Singaporeans admit that they’ve received unwanted gifts with 9% even confessing that they put these gifts straight in the bin.
1000 Singaporean travellers took part in the survey and were also asked which types of gifts were most unwanted. Topping the list of holiday horror souvenirs was food/sweets from abroad, closely followed by items of clothing and cuddly toys, while the ubiquitous comedy t-shirts and hats of tourist shops also made the top five most unwanted gifts.
When asked what they did with these unwanted holiday gifts, 41% said they kept them to avoid hurting the other person’s feelings while on the other hand 28% said they gave it away. 9% however said they placed their gifts straight in the trash can.
But it’s not just the receiver who regrets the wasted efforts of items purchased overseas.
Over half (57%) of Singaporean holidaymakers admit that they’ve also purchased gifts for themselves that in hindsight they wish they hadn’t, with items of clothing topping the list closely followed by food/sweets and nick-nacks and ornaments for the house.
Others spoke in more detail about items they wished they’d never purchased for themselves. One stated that their ‘worst ever’ holiday purchase was US$2000 on Chinese herbal medicine while another said they’d bought a pair of leather boots which they soon realised would not be suitable for the hot, humid Singapore climate. One more bizarre regretted holiday purchases included a Lego Star Destroyer, a chocolate fountain and cooking sauce. Food for thought for those who are considering a spending spree on their next holiday.
Ira Noviani, Marketing Manager for Skyscanner Singapore said: “Although they say ‘it’s the thought that counts’ receiving an unwanted gift can certainly be an awkward moment. Maybe we should play it safer with the gifts we choose and stick to something we all enjoy – like chocolate!”
Top 10 most unwanted holiday gifts
1. Disgusting food/sweets
2. Item of clothing
3. Nick nack/ornament for the house
4. Cuddly toy
5. ‘Comedy’ t-shirt
6. ‘Comedy’ hat
7. Local alcoholic drink
8. Cosmetics/perfumes
9. Health products
10. Jewellery
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
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