Ryan FowlerEvery year around 2.5 million unwanted Secret Santa gifts go straight in the bin, equating to a staggering £32,400,000 worth of items. A nationwide survey by gifting and reward experts Love2shop has found that the popularity of Secret Santa is on the decline.
This year, only 44% of UK employees will participate in Secret Santa, down from 50% in 2023. The average cost of a gift remains at £14, but there’s a notable trend among different age groups. For instance, 18-24-year-olds are now spending an average of £35 per gift, up from £23 last year, while older colleagues, specifically those aged 55-64, have increased their spending from £9 to £10 per gift.
Frank Creighton, director of business Development for Love2shop, commented on the findings, saying, “Secret Santa is just another tradition that is losing relevance in the modern workplace. Not only is it another expense at this time of year, but our study has shown it has a wider impact. Unwanted gifts are often thrown away and have a negative environmental impact.” He advocates for a shift towards more sustainable options, suggesting, “There’s real value both financially and in being kind to the planet in simply giving a gift card or voucher, and our research finds this is increasingly popular. Far from being unimaginative; the Secret Santa recipient can spend it on something they actually want and will enjoy.”
The survey also looked into the sentiment around office Christmas celebrations. It found that 63% of workers do not want a festive celebration this year, which is a 7% increase from last year. Moreover, nearly 9 in 10 (87%) workers would choose a Christmas bonus or gift card over attending a staff party in 2024, up by 4% from 83% in the previous year. This indicates a clear preference among the workforce for practical and personal benefits over traditional holiday gatherings.
