Thousands of people flocked to Trade Me on Boxing Day to get rid of unwanted Christmas presents.
Photo : Unsplash/Kira on the heath
By the morning of Boxing Day, more than 4,600 unwanted Christmas presents had already been listed for sale on Trade Me, with the online auction site predicting a rise in this figure.
Among the items on offer were a second-hand epilator, a ceramic unicorn-shaped pen holder and a banana taped to the wall.
The practice continues to revive a tradition that is both friendly and native to New Zealand, where many people (33.4% according to Trade Me) plan to donate profits to charity.
Trade Me spokesperson Emma Bacon said New Zealanders had a “casual” approach to giving, with only 3.3 per cent of respondents saying they were upset about their gifts being resold.
A November survey of more than 3,600 Trade Me members also found:
- 46% admitted to receiving at least one unwanted Christmas gift
- Nearly three-quarters said they would pretend to be grateful
- 24% planned to sell unwanted gifts this year, up from 10% in 2022
“True to our laid-back nature, 73% of us admitted that they preferred to pretend to appreciate an unwanted gift, with only 4% having the courage to express their disappointment,” added Bacon.
The worst or strangest gifts
According to Bacon, Trade Me members ranked anti-wrinkle and anti-acne creams, nose trimmers and gym memberships among the worst gifts received.
Other “poorly chosen” gifts included a Christmas ham for a vegan family, chocolates for diabetics, and gas vouchers for someone without a car.
“Despite these strange offerings, Kiwis showed a remarkable spirit of gratitude – from ceramic snails to creepy dolls – many appreciated the original intention even if it didn’t suit their tastes,” noted Bacon.
Gifts valued by New Zealanders
Regarding the best received gifts, New Zealanders favor “experiences”. Travel vouchers, concerts and massages top the list, followed by gadgets, fishing gear and mountain bikes.
“However, for many, the most precious gifts are not found in the household basket. Moments spent with loved ones, meals shared under the summer sun and heartfelt tamariki cards are considered the most precious,” Bacon said.
“This survey reminds us that the festive period isn’t just about what’s under the tree, but it’s the time spent with family that makes it so special.”
The taped banana, considered a tribute to the famous work Comedian by Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan, recently sold for US$6.2 million (NZ$10.98 million), had received an opening bid of $14.50 mid-morning on Boxing Day.
The seller described this item as “An unwanted gift. I’m just not a fan of yellow.”
It is interesting to note that, although the gift trade amazes with its playful side, it also raises questions about our expectations during this festive period. Is it time to review the way we offer gifts or to better import the values behind each gesture?
Our editors use AI to help them deliver fresh items from trusted sources to our users. If you find any image or content that is inappropriate, please contact us via DMCA form and we will promptly remove it. / Our editors use AI to help them offer our readers fresh articles from reliable sources. If you find an image or content inappropriate, please contact us via the DMCA form and we’ll remove it promptly.
