New research has uncovered what Kiwis truly want for Christmas, and it turns out it’s less about stuff and more about making memories and spending quality time.

The survey, which asked more than 500 Kiwis about their Christmas preferences and shopping habits, revealed that 89 per cent of people would prefer the gift of an experience over a physical gift/stuff.

They valued making memories over materialistic things says 73 per cent of those surveyed.

Other reasons for choosing an experience gift over stuff were to spend more time with family and friends via an experience, not needing or wanting more ‘stuff’, wanting to take time out for themselves, or wanting a more sustainable/eco-conscious choice.

It is great to see so many Kiwis embracing experiences over things, says Chuffed Gifts research conductor, James Fitzgerald.

“New Zealand is an absolute haven for phenomenal experiences.

“From adrenaline-filled canyoning in Coromandel or skydiving at Mount Cook to a cruise on the TSS Earnslaw in Lake Whakatipu or a soak at Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua.

“Chuffed Gifts let your recipient choose an experience, and with over 150 options, there is an experience for almost everyone - especially those who are difficult to buy for.”

According to the data, many Kiwis struggle with what to buy.

Gift giving is always a challenge, says 11 per cent, 18 per cent says it is usually challenging, and 37 per cent says gift shopping is challenging about half the time.

However, lucky for our experience-loving friends, 64 per cent of respondents, says they were likely or extremely likely to buy an experience gift for someone else this Christmas.

They were likely or extremely likely to over the next 12 months, says 79 per cent.

“This signals that giving great gifts is relevant year-round.

“Those who don’t get the experience gift they are hoping for under the tree this year might just need to wait until Valentine’s Day, an anniversary, work promotion or their next birthday,” says James.

Where and when are we Christmas shopping?

The survey also asked about Kiwi Christmas shopping habits. It revealed that we still love to visit the shops, with the majority of respondents (40 per cent) saying they shopped for about half of their Christmas presents online and about half in-store.

Interestingly, just 13 per cent admitted to being last-minute Christmas shoppers.

Most respondents claimed to be ‘somewhere in between early and late’.

Their sales data tells a different story, says James.

“In 2022, not only is our biggest sales spike just five days out from Christmas, but Christmas Eve is one of our biggest days of the season.”

“I guess no one wants to admit to their friends and family that they are last minute buying.

“But I think our speedy deliveries and online options help those cutting it fine.”