Gift-Giving in Relationships
We’ve been helping you to celebrate magical Christmas moments since 1919.
For our 100th anniversary, we asked 2,000 loved-up couples about gift-giving, funny present fails and what they’d love to unwrap on Christmas morning. Get some insider knowledge on how to find the perfect, meaningful Christmas present.
The most popular gifts
Unsurprisingly, the finer things in life like luxury holidays and beautiful jewellery got the most votes.
Ready, jet-set, go!
1673
couples said they’d be thrilled to be gifted a holiday
Diamonds really are a girl's best friend
75%
of women said they’d be delighted with diamonds
66%
of men would be happy with an expensive watch
80%
of women would like a ring
81%
of women would be happy with a necklace
75%
of women would love earrings
78%
of women would be thrilled with
a bracelet
When it comes to classic stocking fillers and little surprises, lots of us are still pleased with old favourites like flowers and chocolates.
81%
of women surveyed said that flowers are a lovely gesture
1549 out of 2000
couples revealed chocolate was a welcome present
How to master Christmas gift-giving
It’s no secret that at Beaverbrooks we’re romantics at heart. That’s why we love helping you to find perfect presents, so you can spoil your special someone.
Here are our top tips on how to be the best gift-giver this Christmas.
1. Be Organised
(But if you’re not, we’re on-hand to help!)
Just over half of couples said they buy their Christmas presents a month before the big day and one quarter said they do their Christmas shopping two weeks before.
We say: If you haven’t already, start thinking about what to get your partner now. You have until 8pm on 23rd December to order online, or our store teams are here to help right through to Christmas Eve.
2. Get inspired
67% of people struggle to know what to buy their partner at Christmas because they believe “they have everything already” or are “too picky and fussy”.
We say: Let us provide some inspiration. Take a look at our Christmas Gift Guide, full of perfect and thoughtful festive present ideas, or use our handy Gift Finder and we’ll do the finding for you!
3. Do your research and listen to your partner
30% of couples said they drop hints about what they want as a gift.
We say: Listen out for those subtle hints and think carefully about what your loved one would want. Will they REALLY want something practical like a vacuum cleaner over a more thoughtful Christmas gift?!
4. Communicate and be clear on each other’s expectations
A quarter of couples opt to choose presents together and 16% of couples share their wish lists with their other half. More than half of couples admit to setting a budget (although a tenth rarely stick to it)!
We say: Sometimes setting a budget or sharing wish lists is helpful and takes away some of the stress, but we still love the romance and excitement that comes with a surprise. We can help you pick a gift to wow them on Christmas morning.
5. Do what feels right
If you’re in a new relationship, Brits (on average) believe you should be together for three months and one week before you need to buy each other a gift. But, one quarter of couples also said you should get your partner a Christmas gift once you’ve been together for over a month.
We say: There are no rules. If you like them, get them a present!