- Bessie Hassan
- Head of PR & Money Expert
- finder.com.au
- +61 402 567 568
- Bessie.Hassan@finder.com.au
Media Release
1 in 4 Aussies don’t like gift cards
- 65% of Baby Boomers like receiving gift cards
- South Australians dislike them the most
- What to do with gift card you don’t want
10 October, 2018, Sydney, Australia – Many gift cards given this Christmas will be unwanted, according to new research by finder.com.au, the site that compares virtually everything.
Once a foolproof present, the survey of 2,011 respondents found 23% of Aussies don’t like receiving gift cards.
A further 59% of Australians are happy to be given a gift card, while 18% are on the fence, saying it depends on which store the voucher is for.
They’re most unpopular with men as 32% turn their noses up at gift cards compared to just 15% of women.
Kate Browne, Personal Finance Expert at finder.com.au said gift cards are often considered impersonal, but it’s really the thought that counts.
“We all have a friend or relative who is tricky to buy for, and while some find gift cards thoughtless or lazy, the reality is most Australians are happy to receive presents of any kind.”
“It is lovely to receive a gift that shows the giver really knows you, but it’s also great to walk into a store and buy exactly what you want.”
Breaking it down by generation, Baby Boomers are the most appreciative of gift cards with 65% admitting they like them. Generation X and Generation Y aren’t as enthusiastic with 58% and 57% happy to receive gift cards.
South Australians are the most likely to dislike gift cards with 26% indicating they aren’t a fan of them.
The research found 71% of Aussies have been given a gift card in the past 12 months.
“If you do buy someone a gift card, make sure it’s from a store they regularly shop at so it doesn’t go to waste. Neither party wants to see the funds expire.”
What to do with a gift card you don’t want
- Swap it with a friend, colleague or relative Send a message to your loved ones or let everyone in the office know you have a voucher to swap for cash.
- Sell it There are plenty of platforms to sell or swap gift cards such as Gumtree, Facebook marketplace or your local Facebook swap sell buy group. Just be clear about when it expires.
- Keep it intimate. You don’t need to decorate your whole home. Restricting the baby shower to just one room means you can stretch your decorating budget further.
- Buy someone else a gift with it Christmas is around the corner, so why not pick up a gift for a friend or family member?
| Would you like a gift card this Christmas? | |
|---|---|
| Yes, I don’t mind them | 22% |
| Yes, I think they’re a good present | 20% |
| Yes, I like all presents | 14% |
| Yes, because I ask for them | 3% |
| Maybe, depends on the store | 18% |
| No, I’d prefer cash instead | 9% |
| No, because I’m limited with where I can spend it | 6% |
| No, because it’s a thoughtless present | 4% |
| No, because I need to spend it by a certain time | 3% |
Who wants gift cards for Christmas?
| Generation | Yes please! | Depends on the store | No thanks! |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gen Y | 57% | 18% | 25% |
| Gen X | 58% | 19% | 23% |
| Baby Boomers | 65% | 15% | 20% |
| State | No thanks! |
|---|---|
| SA | 26% |
| NSW | 25% |
| VIC | 25% |
| QLD | 22% |
| WA | 16% |
###
For further information
- Bessie Hassan
- Head of PR & Money Expert
- finder.com.au
- +61 402 567 568
- Bessie.Hassan@finder.com.au
Disclaimer
The information in this release is accurate as of the date published, but rates, fees and other product features may have changed. Please see updated product information on finder.com.au's review pages for the current correct values.
About Finder
Every month 2.6 million unique visitors turn to Finder to save money and time, and to make important life choices. We compare virtually everything from credit cards, phone plans, health insurance, travel deals and much more.
Our free service is 100% independently-owned by three Australians: Fred Schebesta, Frank Restuccia and Jeremy Cabral. Since launching in 2006, Finder has helped Aussies find what they need from 1,800+ brands across 100+ categories.
We continue to expand and launch around the globe, and now have offices in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Poland and the Philippines. For further information visit www.finder.com.au.
12.6 million average unique monthly audience (June- September 2019), Nielsen Digital Panel