Poles want a gift to bring joy and surprise, but at the same time be “usable”. 62% of respondents like surprises, and 58% value gifts that allow them to discover something new. On the other hand, 59% of respondents believe that the ideal gift should be practical and useful. This shows that the best gifts are those that combine emotions with everyday functionality – such as books that develop passions, accessories related to hobbies or useful gadgets for home and office.
Coming up with a gift is a process, not an impulse
A good fit takes time. Most respondents (28%) spend at least a few days thinking of a gift for one person. Every fifth respondent needs from 30 minutes to an hour, and every tenth ponders for over an hour. This shows that for many people, choosing a gift is a well-thought-out process – full of comparisons and searching for inspiration. That is why the role of places that help organize the choice and suggest proven options is growing. At Empik.com, customers can choose gift guides according to age, interests and lifestyle – from proposals for vinyl and good book lovers, through LEGO bricks, board games, puzzles and creative sets perfect for evenings together, to electronics, small household appliances that make everyday life easier, cosmetics and designer home accessories for those who value aesthetics and functionality.
A little pleasure that we wouldn’t choose on our own
Although we value practical gifts, almost half of respondents (47%) believe that the best gift is one they would not buy for themselves. The holidays become an opportunity to give your loved ones something special – a pinch of luxury, inspiration or an impulse to develop passions for which there might be no excuse in everyday life. It may be a home spa set with luxurious bath salts, good headphones for relaxation with music and podcasts, or a stylish filter coffee machine for specialty coffee. Gifts that give rise to new adventures are also great – such as accessories for Pilates or mobile photography, sets for fermentation, baking or cooking, or for the ceremonial preparation of matcha.
It is worth remembering that it is not only the object itself that counts, but also what stands behind it. 65% of respondents believe that a gift does not have to be material, and 62% emphasize that the most important thing is the gesture itself. Gifts are increasingly becoming a way to build relationships and shared experiences, and not just another thing to put on the shelf.
What happens to unwanted gifts?
Although we try to choose gifts with the other person in mind, it is not always possible to perfectly match the taste. 67% of respondents admit that they have received an unwanted gift. Most often, however, we approach it with caution – 39% of respondents use a gift anyway, and the same number puts it on a shelf or in a closet. 25% of respondents declare that they continue to give gifts – women do it more often (30% vs. 20% of men), giving gifts a second life. In turn, selling or exchanging online is a solution that more and more young people are choosing – as many as 27% of Generation Z representatives treat gifts as a resource that can bring them joy in a new, less obvious way.
In a world of many options, good hints help
A consistent picture emerges from the study: Poles really want to receive gifts, but expectations towards them are high today. The gift should be personal, inspiring and tailored to the lifestyle of the recipient. That’s why we are increasingly looking for places that offer ready-made ideas. People who would like to buy a few more gifts at the last moment can take advantage of, among others: from the virtual AI assistance on Empik.com, suggestions available at Empik.com/prezenty or from personalized recommendations of consultants in Empik stores.
