Consumer Study Reveals Gift-Giving Gaffes

Photodisc/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — Since this is the season of giving, Consumer Reports recently conducted a survey and discovered that the most often committed blunder when it comes to the exchanging of gifts is leaving the price tag on an item. Eighteen percent of respondents admitted doing so.

Five percent regifted an item to the person who gave it to them, and another five percent put the wrong name on a package. Three percent committed the seasonal faux pas of giving too many people who know one another the same present.

Some respondents admitted they have been caught giving people defective or discontinued products, expired foods, and luxury-brand knockoffs.

The survey also found that three-quarters of respondents said they would rather receive a practical present than a luxury splurge. And if they had the choice of getting cash or a gift card, 60 percent said they would take the cold cash.

According to the survey, the number-one worry among people shopping this holiday season is not having enough money to cover expenses. Not enough time to buy gifts was a distant second.

When it comes to gifts this season, 57 percent say they’re buying clothes, shoes, and fashion accessories for people.  Fifty-one percent are planning to give a gift card.

Here’s a ranking of the items Americans plan to give this holiday season:

• Clothing, shoes, fashion accessories – 57 percent
• Gift cards – 51 percent
• Toys – 44 percent
• Cash or check – 30 percent
• Books – 27 percent
• Food or wine – 25 percent
• Jewelry – 20 percent
• Electronics accessories (headphones, cases) – 19 percent
• DVDs or Blu-ray discs – 19 percent
• Video games – 18 percent
• Personal electronics (smartphone, tablet, ebook) – 16 percent
• Pet toys – 15 percent
• Major electronics (TV, computer, video game system) – 12 percent
• Home furnishings/décor items – 12 percent
• Small appliances (coffeemaker, toaster) – 10 percent

The online survey of 1,500 adults was conducted in early December 2014 by the Consumer Reports National Research Center.

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