- Whilst more than three-quarters of shoppers in Northern Ireland (80%) are feeling the pressure of buying physical gifts – (40%) would actually prefer to receive an experience than a physical gift instead.
- Good news then, that one in five gift-givers (18%) are already planning to book or give an experience instead of a traditional present this season.
- More than half of us (65%) feel more emotionally connected when sharing experiences with loved ones than receiving a physical gift.
It’s that time of year again – tinsel, twinkling lights, and terrible gifts. From novelty mugs and festive toilet paper to Live Laugh Love plaques that no-one asked for. As TUI’s Christmas elves gear up for the festive season, they’ve unwrapped the truth about the most dreaded gifts we receive. 25% of those questioned in NI name exotic jams and chutneys, another 24% roll their eyes at novelty items such as joke mugs, silly socks or festive toilet paper, and 22% admit they will never read the books they’re given.
The Top 10 Gifts – Northern Ireland is hoping not to unwrap this year
- Exotic Jams or Chutneys 25%
- Novelty Items – 24%
- Books You Wouldn’t Read – 22%
- DIY or Craft Kits You’ll Never Touch – 18%
- Puzzles & Games – 18%
- Mini Desktop Vacuum – 18%
- “Inspirational” Wall Art (e.g. “Live, Laugh, Love” wall plaque) 16%
- Toiletry Sets – 16%
- Calendars – 15%
- Perfume or aftershave – 9%
After decades of wrapping everything from Tamagotchis to Barbie dolls and novelty socks Santa’s elves have noticed ‘the great gift shift’, with Northern Ireland choosing experiences over ‘stuff’ – favouring memory-making moments with loved ones above clutter.
TUI’s new research reveals that 40% of those questioned in NI would prefer an experience over a physical present, with more than half (65%) saying they feel more emotionally connected when sharing an experience than opening a gift. Meanwhile, more than 1 in 10 of people can’t remember what they unwrapped last Christmas but can recall exactly who they spent it with.
And it’s not just about preference – it’s about pressure too. “With over three quarters (80%) of the nation feeling the strain of buying gifts, it’s no surprise many are rethinking what really matters. This year, it’s less about wrapping paper and more about sharing experiences. Whether it’s a weekend away (53%), SPA Day (33%), or wellness retreat (24%) – nearly half (42%%) of people asked in NI say they’re already planning to gift someone an experience to create memories and connection with friends and family this festive season.
The Top 10 Memory-Making Gifts NI is Seeking this Christmas
- Weekend Getaway – 53%
- Spa Day – 33%
- Wellness Retreat – 24%
- Bucket-List Travel Experience – 22%
- Concert or Live Show – 22%
- Theme Park or Attraction Day – 16%
- Wine Tasting or Food Tour – 16%
- Adventure Activity (e.g., Hot Air Balloon, Zipline) – 15%
- Cultural Experience (e.g., Flamenco Show, Walking Tour) – 7%
- Cooking Class or Workshop – 5%
Chris Logan, Commercial Director at TUI UK & Ireland, says:
“At TUI, we believe the most meaningful gifts aren’t wrapped – they’re felt. Whether it’s watching the sunrise from a hot-air balloon or sharing tapas during a flamenco show, we’re here to help people give the kind of moments that bring them closer. Because it’s not just about booking an experience – it’s about gifting connection, laughter, and stories that last long after the decorations come down.
And with over three-quarters of people of those questioned in Northern Ireland (80%) feeling pressure to buy physical gifts, the shift toward shared experiences is gaining momentum. That’s why TUI makes it easy to turn moments into memories, with thousands of experiences ready to gift. From spontaneous getaways to trying something new for the first time, we’re helping people choose something better: shared experiences that last – far more than another pair of unwanted socks or a re-gifted toiletry set.”
From sunrise balloon rides in Morocco to flamenco nights in Barcelona, there’s no shortage of ways to make memories that last far beyond the festive season.
Check out https://www.tuimusement.com/
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