Kerryn Boogaard Kerryn Boogaard
Beverly Goldsmith Beverly Goldsmith
Zoe Bingley-Pullin Zoe Bingley-Pullin

A nation of fusspots?:

Are we all too spoilt and fussy? 14.3 million unwanted gifts received in 2012!
By Motherpedia with AAP
Date: December 26 2012
Editor Rating:
disappointing-gift

Christmas is a time for giving and Boxing Day is a time for giving away, with 14.3 million unwanted presents received around the country this year, says classifieds website Gumtree.

The value of unwanted gifts has soared to $475 million, says Gumtree spokesman Nat Thomas.

"It's so much money that people spend, with the best intentions for buying gifts, and unfortunately not all of those gifts find a loving home," he told AAP.

"So we're seeing increasingly people are choosing to sell those gifts rather than hiding them in a cupboard and gathering dust."

In the second year of Gumtree's annual Christmas survey, Mr Thomas said one million more people will head online this year to sell items via classifieds websites.

In 2011, 16.7 million unwanted gifts were received, and Mr Thomas said the decrease could be accounted for by people spending more sensibly.

"Maybe people are getting smarter with what they give - a lot of people are giving gift cards or donating to charity and you're giving a bit of goodwill, which is quite a nice way of doing it," he said.

Mr Thomas noted that 27%  of survey respondents were actually hoping to receive gifts they didn't like so they could make money online.

Considering the average unwanted gift was worth about $65, and 18% of people had sold an unwanted item for $100 or more, it was no surprise that more people were heading online this year to convert unwanted gifts to cash, he said.

What about you?

Did you receive an unwanted gift? What are you doing with it?

Share This Tweet This Email To Friend
Recent Comments
1 Total Comments
Ros says: 2012 12 26
Rating:

Yes, in answer to your question. We are a nation of fusspots. We are spoiled & fussy. Why can’t we just appreciate the thought. It’s what used to count.

By the way, loved your stories yesterday on Christmas in different parts of the world.

View All Comments
Post a Comment
* your email address will not appear

Please enter the word you see in the image below:


Post a Comment
* your email address will not appear

Please enter the word you see in the image below:33343


Your Comment has been posted
Related Articles
santa_with_girl
Have we lost the science and art of true gift…
Read more
Cry babies

Dry your eyes!
The newest additions are on their way from the Babies who cry real tears!

Shipping-containers-freight-wallpaper-preview

Latest Tech Used In Shipping Containers
Read how the shipping industry has revolutionised

Motherpedia cover-2

Win 1 set of a 4-book hardcover illustrated boxed set
Barbara Murray’s new 4-book Sound Stories is perfect for parents and educators and could assist with NAPLAN results

Motherpedia cover (4)

Where to celebrate Oktoberfest Australia
Get ready for this celebration!

Motherpedia cover-4

A Fortnight of Foodie Experiences at East Village
A taste of East Village. What's in it for me?

Globber my too fix up cover

We Try: Globber My TOO Fix Up
A scooter that grows with your child

Throw a winning cricket pitch

3 Steps to a Winning Backyard Cricket Pitch
Ex-Adelaide Oval legend curator Les Burdett shares his tips for getting your backyard cricket pitch test match ready this summer

A bike that follows your kids life cycle - motherpedia - cover

A Bike That Follows Your Kids Life Cycle
Check out the Bunzi 2-in-1 gradual balance bike!

Moonlight lifestyle

Moonlight Cinema to bring…
Moonlight Cinema announces brand new Western Sydney venue

Screen shot 2019-11-26 at 8.29.12 am

Your Magical Christmas Wonderland…
Adventure park is about to light up the night sky with its "Christmas Festival of Lights"

Screen shot 2019-11-21 at 11.11.36 am

The Preston Market Gets…
It's time to feel pumped up for the holiday season!

Bruno-kelzer-zqzuigxcvrq-unsplash

Bunnings team members get…
Help raise funds by buying a snag or donating at your local store.