05 December 2023 , 15:09
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Mums (15%), dads (18%), and significant others (22%) have been named – as the hardest people to buy gifts for, a study has found.
With Christmas rapidly approaching, a poll of 2,000 adults revealed that almost half (45%) have experienced "holi-dread" – a feeling of anxiety over finding the perfect presents for loved ones.
More than a third of shoppers (34%) worry about whether a present is thoughtful enough, and whether the recipient will like it (61%) – while almost half (48%) are concerned over the costs of gifts.
It also emerged that one in four (26%) have given someone a gift that was not well-received – and consequently, 18% reckon shopping for presents is as stressful as a job interview.
Nearly one in six (15%) say it is harder than a break-up, and 13% even believe it is worse than giving birth. But thankfully, this year, anxious consumers can get a little help – from renowned psychic and TV astrologer, Inbaal Honigman.
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The clairvoyant has been recruited by major online retailer, Not On The High Street, which also commissioned the research, as their "head of gifting insights" – and claims she can accurately reveal the perfect gift for those impossible to buy for.
Online retailer, Not On The High Street, has recruited a professional psychic, to help shoppers find the perfect Christmas gifts (PinPep)To take advantage of her personalised readings, shoppers in need of help simply need to answer four questions on the retailer's website about the person they're struggling to buy for. But they'll need to be quick, as the trial service is operating on a first come, first served basis – with just 50 readings available.
Inbaal Honigman said: "Seeing the disappointed face of a loved one when opening a gift can make you feel clueless, and cause stress for the next year. I'm thrilled to step in and uncover the perfect gift for those hard-to-shop-for friends and family, using my psychic skills.
"Some people are trickier to buy for, and getting gifting right is important to so many. Even shopping for a notoriously picky Aquarius will be made a breeze with this service."
The study, carried out through OnePoll, found 61% intend to shop at a small or local business for Christmas gifts this year. Of those who plan to do so, 68% like to shop this way to support their local community, while 58% feel the presents are more "heartfelt".
However, of those who have experienced "holi-dread", 14% begin to panic in early October.
Leanne Rothwell, CEO of Not On The High Street, said: "The festive season often brings a mix of joy and stress, as we strive to meet societal expectations and create the perfect Christmas.
"The pursuit of the "ideal" holiday experience can lead to unnecessary stress, as we forget that the true meaning of Christmas is about love and togetherness.
"Our mission this Christmas is to take the panic out of gift-giving through launching our psychic service, and encouraging people to buy personalised and thoughtful gifts from small businesses. We hope that with this new service, will help shoppers to gift fewer and better this festive season."