As the festive season approaches, Oxfam has launched a new quiz designed to help shoppers identify their Christmas shopping personality. Participants can discover if they are a ‘Last-Minute Legend’, a ‘Checklist Champ’, or perhaps a ‘Crafty Creator’ who enjoys making handmade gifts. This initiative aligns with Oxfam’s goal of promoting a more thoughtful and less stressful approach to holiday gift-giving.
Recent research commissioned by Oxfam reveals that the average Christmas shopper spends nearly £500 on gifts for around eight loved ones. Shoppers typically dedicate an hour to queuing and engage in three separate trips to five different stores. Additionally, over an hour and a half is spent browsing online for the perfect presents.
The survey highlights a growing trend towards seeking unique gifts, with 65% of respondents expressing a desire to find distinctive items rather than standard selections. Notably, 40% of shoppers are considering second-hand gifts, exploring online marketplaces, charity shops, and vintage stores. For many, the appeal lies in the potential for significant savings, as 63% believe buying second-hand is a smart financial choice. Furthermore, 35% enjoy the thrill of searching for unique items.
Oxfam’s new Personal Shopper Gifting service will be available in select stores in Twickenham, Manchester, and Oxford on December 6 and 7. This initiative aims to alleviate the stress associated with holiday shopping, providing an opportunity for a more personalized experience.
Lorna Fallon, Oxfam’s retail director, commented, “We’re seeing people shift away from purely transactional gift-giving towards choices that carry a story or a sense of purpose. That might mean choosing something pre-loved, handmade, or simply unique to the person receiving it.” She emphasized that shopping is increasingly about connection rather than convenience, especially during the festive season.
Despite the positive trends, a significant 66% of shoppers report that Christmas shopping induces stress, primarily due to crowded stores (52%) and feeling rushed (30%). When asked how to improve the high-street shopping experience, 60% of participants expressed a wish for shorter queues, while 43% desired easier parking solutions. Additionally, one-third of respondents indicated that friendly and helpful staff would enhance their experience, and 15% preferred a personal shopping service.
Lorna added, “What people really want is time and space to browse, to be inspired, and to find gifts that mean something. Creating an experience that feels calm, considered, and welcoming makes a huge difference, and that’s what we try to offer in our stores.”
As consumers prepare for the holiday season, Oxfam’s initiatives reflect a broader movement towards intentional gift-giving that prioritizes meaningful connections over mere consumerism.
