Top 10 most unwanted holiday gifts

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Within days of coming back from a holiday, the souvenirs brought back for friends and family are likely to be thrown in the rubbish bin, according to the, according to the latest survey by leading travel search site Skyscanner. Buying a gift for those back home may seem a nice gesture while away, but holidaymakers would be better to save their money as more than 65% of people admit that they really don’t appreciate those holiday souvenirs and 34% have to find the ways to get rid of unwanted gifts either thrown them away, gave them to charity, or passed them to someone else.

In a survey of 1000 people, key-rings (17%) ranked top as the most disappointing gift to receive, with fake DVDs (12%) and fridge-magnets (10%) following closely. Food items (7%), though souvenir classic, also fail to impress, while cheap jewellery (5%) and airline branded items (5%) were equally as disheartening. What happens to the gifts won’t make happy reading either, with results revealing that only 8% of people find their gifted souvenirs any use. 10% of holiday gifts are donated to charity, while another 10% are passed to someone else. While 2% have gone to the lengths of ‘accidentally’ breaking their gift so that they don’t have to keep it and 1% has refused a gift point-blank.

“Many Thai people who travel overseas think about bringing souvenirs home to family, friends and work colleagues. But surprisingly, our survey shows that many people admitted that they have received unwanted gifts from their family and close friends, despite being the people who know them best. Yet these unwanted holiday presents don’t come cheap. Next time we buy something for people at home please think more carefully about what to buy,” said Grace Pobprapha Areerat, Skyscanner’s Country Marketing Manager for Thailand.

Top 10 most unwanted holiday gifts:
1. Key-ring
2. Fake DVD
3. Magnet
4. Food item
5. Cheap jewellery
6. Airline branded toy
7. Comedy t-shirt
8. Local drink
9. Doll
10. Snow globe

What about you? What holiday gifts did you buy in Thailand? An elephant keyring? A Chang Beer t-shirt? What they appreciated by friends back home? Post your ideas of what makes a good and bad souvenir from Thailand in the comments below.

Source: Press Release

7 thoughts on “Top 10 most unwanted holiday gifts

  • October 30, 2013 at 4:54 am
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    T-shirts usually go over well. But key rings/snow globes and such, would never buy them. We did get some nice hand woven blankets to give away and one person didn’t like the pattern so they got nothing. I’ve still got it on my bed to this day.
    Hmmm. I guess I opt not to bring much back for anyone anymore as I usually don’t bring much back for myself.
    If they wanna experience it, by a ticket and go.

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  • October 29, 2013 at 2:53 pm
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    I like to bring dried fruits , they are a great present for my friends. For a dear friend I bring a box of orchids , bought at the airport.

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    • October 29, 2013 at 2:55 pm
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      That’s not a bad idea. When I go for trips in Thailand, I always have to bring back “food souvenirs” for my Thai friends. It is expected of me to do this every time. Food is usually easier as you don’t have to think too much and there are special shops to buy it on your way back home. Though not so good if you are flying abroad though.

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      • October 29, 2013 at 11:16 pm
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        Japanese friends I know like dried fruits very much as gift!!

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  • October 29, 2013 at 1:42 pm
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    I’m surprised to see keyrings on the list as I would think it would be better to have a gift that actually is useful as well. But, I guess a keyring with the Thai flag is only of interest to people who have been to Thailand. Maybe one with an elephant is better.

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    • October 29, 2013 at 2:12 pm
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      true. keyrings are great. My friend told me that the shirts are pretty popular in the states as well as bottles of Thai spirits/beers.

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  • October 29, 2013 at 1:41 pm
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    That airline or globe is the worst. I actually like to collect landmark magnets from places I visit but not sure I’d like it as a gift since I want to actually visit the place myself for it to count. Many people like something a bit more authentic from Thailand.

    Reply

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