As Christmas shopping reaches fever pitch, research by TUI reveals a fundamental shift in what people across Northern Ireland truly want under the tree this year. Findings show:
- 80% of shoppers experience some level of pressure to buy physical gifts
- 40% of people would actually prefer to receive an experience rather than a physical gift
- And it’s not surprising – as 65% feel more emotionally connected when sharing experiences with friends or family rather than receiving material gifts.
With the countdown to Christmas well and truly on, 80% of shoppers in Northern Ireland are feeling the pressure to buy gifts – and that’s a lot of stress being put on people – for the wrong kind of gift. New research commissioned by TUI reveals that each year, nearly a quarter of us (22%) receive 3 or more gifts we don’t want or like. Top of the dreaded list are: Exotic jams or chutneys 25%; socks, reindeer print tie, underwear or aprons, festive toilet paper 24%; books they wouldn’t read 22%; DIY or Craft gifts they’ll never touch 18%; mini desktop vacuum 18%; and puzzles, games (ie toilet golf or darts).
And when the tinsel comes down and the tree is stashed for another year we turn to all sorts of ways to manage those unwanted gifts 40% re gifting them; 31% keeping them out of guilt; 24% selling them; 24% donating them to charity; and even 7% admitting to throwing them away.
Topping the charts of experiences people in Northern Ireland would like to find under the tree are:
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%
If wishes are granted and dreams come true this festive season, nearly half of us in Northern Ireland (49%) would choose to share an experience gift with their partner, followed by children (16%) or wider family such as grandparents, cousins and in-laws.
Katrina Barry, TUI’s Head of Ireland, says: “Now, more than ever it’s time to re-think how we approach Christmas presents. Gifting experiences shares joy in the moment as well as having something special to look forward to in the coming weeks or months with friends or family. From concert tickets and spa days to cooking classes and adventure activities, TUI’s range of experience gifts offer something physical presents cannot: quality time with loved ones and memories that last far beyond Boxing Day. On Christmas morning why not leave the clutter makers to one side and thrill your loved one with an experience to look forward to or enjoy together in 2026 and get the new year off to the best start.”
TUI makes it easy to turn moments into memories. Check out https://www.tuimusement.com/uk/ for more experiences than you can shake a candy cane at. Or why not take someone away on holiday with you in 2026 and bring some sunshine into their lives – visit www.tui.co.uk where you can find the perfect getaway, for every taste and budget.