Australians Could Make Nearly $1 Billion Selling Unwanted Gifts This Festive Season
A recent study by e-commerce giant eBay revealed some eye-opening statistics about Australians’ gift-giving habits during the holiday season. According to eBay, last year, Australians received an average of two unwanted gifts each during the festive period. This accumulation of unwanted items has led 52 percent of Australians to either sell or plan to sell these gifts this year, aiming to earn some extra cash amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.
Younger generations, especially Generation Z and millennials, are at the forefront of this trend, with 58 percent and 57 percent, respectively, seizing the opportunity to turn their unwanted gifts into profit. eBay’s research highlighted that fashion and tech items are the most popular categories of unwanted gifts that end up for sale online post-Christmas.
The data from eBay revealed that after Christmas in 2023, four fashion items were listed every minute, alongside one tech item every two minutes. Notably, boys’ clothing experienced the most significant surge in listings during the period between December 26 and December 31, with a remarkable increase of 162 percent compared to the pre-Christmas period.
Unveiling the Most Popular Unwanted Gift Categories
Following boys’ clothing, girls’ clothing saw a 69 percent increase in listings, while tablets, smartwatches, controllers, headphones, clothing tops, video game consoles, pants, and dresses also made the list. Zannie Abbott, from eBay Australia, emphasized the importance of decluttering during the festive season, suggesting that while some gifts may not spark joy for the recipient, they can bring happiness to someone else who truly values them.
As Australians gear up for the upcoming Christmas celebrations, it’s clear that there is a significant opportunity to turn unwanted gifts into cash while spreading joy to others who may appreciate these items more. So, before you rush to regift or toss aside those unwanted presents, consider the potential to unlock their value and make a difference in someone else’s life this holiday season.