Unwanted Xmas presents likely to get swift second life

Women are almost twice as likely than men to pass on unwanted gifts. Photo / ThinkStock

A third of New Zealanders say they have no problem passing on that well-thought-out gift you gave them for Christmas to someone else, research shows.

A survey by business consultancy TNS shows almost a third of people (32 per cent) had no issue with passing on their unwanted presents to someone else at Christmas time. The research found that Wellingtonians were the biggest givers with 39 per cent admitting they would "re-gift" presents while 33 per cent of Aucklanders would do the same.

Despite their pay packets, well-paid and middle income earners are most likely to be big fans of re-gifting with 38 per cent of people earning over $100,000 saying friends and family had received their cast-off presents.

They're followed by 35 per cent of households with an annual income of $70,000 to $100,000.

Women are almost twice as likely (38 per cent) than men (21 per cent) to pass on unwanted gifts.

David Thomas, director TNS New Zealand, said the survey gauged how people were feeling about Christmas this year.

"It's good to see that even after a rough year, Kiwis still have their charitable spirit," he said. "Even if gifts don't hit the mark this year, at least they won't be going to waste."

Meanwhile, Trade Me spokesman Paul Ford said its research showed that two-thirds of the people it surveyed in 2009 thought it was all right to sell unwanted gifts.

Last year the website had 12,000 items added on Christmas Day - with the largest volume of goods coming online between 4pm and 8pm.

Linen, electric shavers, CDs, ties, chocolates and kitchen appliances rated highly among the list of goods being offered on the website on Christmas Day.

"You could argue a bunch of that were presents that were seen but not opened or played with and people decided it wasn't for them or they were double-ups," said Mr Ford.

"It's interesting because the number of listings go down just before Christmas but there's a very definite bounce back on Boxing Day. Susan Boyle has just put out another CD so you could expect to see a few of those online."

The TNS research showed that 31 per cent of respondents intended to donate to a charity this Christmas.

And of those who regularly give to charity at this time of year, 22 per cent say they're going to give more than in previous years.