In Russia, consumers show a readiness to earmark specific sums to mark International Women’s Day with thoughtful gifts, sweets, and a festive mood. A recent survey carried out by the online grocery platform SberMarket, in collaboration with socialbites.ca and the research firm Rusopros, reveals a clear pattern: a large majority of respondents are prepared to allocate money toward March 8 celebrations. The findings indicate that about eight in ten people surveyed would spend up to 5,000 rubles on gifts, treats, and small festive touches for the holiday, underscoring a strong cultural emphasis on making the day feel special for the women in their lives. At the same time, a notable portion of respondents is willing to stretch their budgets.
Specifically, the data shows that 13% of participants intend to spend between 5,000 and 10,000 rubles on March 8, while 6% are prepared to exceed 10,000 rubles. This distribution signals that for many households, the holiday is a meaningful occasion that justifies a more substantial investment in presents and experiences.
The survey also highlights where Russians plan to observe the celebration. A majority, about 62%, will celebrate at home, turning living rooms into intimate spaces for family and friends. Another 19% plan to gather with relatives or close circles, and 8% intend to visit cafés, restaurants, or cinemas as part of the day’s activities. These preferences illustrate a blend of cozy, home-centered rituals with opportunities for social outings that mark the occasion in a shared, festive way.
When it comes to gifts, women in particular have clearly defined expectations. The study found that a large share of women anticipate receiving flowers, with 56% listing them as a preferred gift. Sweets, desserts, and chocolates were also popular, cited by 41%, while perfume was expected by 37% of respondents. The emphasis on fragrance and confectionery aligns with long-standing traditions that celebrate beauty, pampering, and personal care on this holiday.
The authors of the survey also point to broader gift trends. In addition to traditional tokens like flowers and sweets, many respondents cited items such as event tickets and apparel as desirable presents. These choices reflect a desire to provide experiences and lasting mementos, alongside more tangible tokens of appreciation.
Men’s gift preferences mirror the celebratory tone of the day. About 49% of men indicated they would give flowers, while 37% would offer desserts or chocolates and 22% would present cosmetics. Perfume was also a desired gift, chosen by 17% of respondents. Beyond material gifts, a notable number emphasized practical or experiential options, including gift certificates, spa or beauty salon visits, and tickets to events as meaningful offerings.
Industry observers note that the March 8 holiday remains a significant moment for personal expression through scent and gift-giving. An expert in fragrances, who asked to be identified as Ilya Volkov and speaking to socialbites.ca, underscored ongoing trends in perfume selections and the evolving preferences of consumers who mark the day with fragrance gifts. The survey results reflect a consistent appetite for thoughtful, personal presents that resonate with recipients on an emotional level.
These patterns shed light on how people in the region approach a holiday that blends affection with practical choices. For planners in North America and elsewhere who are curious about how such celebrations translate into consumer behavior, the Russian experience offers a useful perspective on budgeting, gifting psychology, and the social rituals that accompany International Women’s Day. The findings are based on the collaborative research efforts cited by socialbites.ca and Rusopros. [Source attribution: socialbites.ca, Rusopros]