Survey insights on gift trends for International Women’s Day
A recent study conducted by Nelogy sheds light on gift preferences around International Women’s Day. The research reveals notable patterns in what tends to resonate, and what tends to be overlooked, when choosing presents for women. The findings were later shared with SocialBites.ca, helping to illustrate evolving attitudes toward gifting during this annual celebration.
The survey reached a broad audience, with 2642 participants contributing their views. The respondent pool consisted of a majority of women, who represented about three quarters of those surveyed, while men accounted for roughly one quarter. Across genders, the data highlights clear preferences and common missteps that shoppers should consider when selecting tokens of appreciation for March 8.
Among the gifts that fell out of favor, perfumes and sweets stood out as items that many respondents would rather not receive. Jewelry, handmade items with personal meaning, cash, and experiences like attendance at a favorite band’s concert were also noted as less desirable by a sizable share of respondents. The mixed reactions to these gifts suggest that personal relevance and perceived effort play a crucial role in how a present is received.
Interestingly, both men and women expressed reservations about certain types of gifts beyond the immediate item category. Subscriptions to favorite services or podcasts, as well as participation in events centered on women’s rights and gender equality, were not viewed positively as gifts by a notable portion of respondents. This insight underscores the importance of aligning gift choices with the recipient’s interests and values rather than defaulting to broad or cause-oriented options when the intention is to delight.
When considering gifts that tended to please across the board, several options emerged as reliable and versatile. A bouquet of flowers, a cozy evening at home, an unexpected surprise, and a dinner out at a nice restaurant were identified as strong, broadly appealing choices for both genders. These items emphasize thoughtfulness, experiential value, and the comfort of shared moments, rather than purely material indicators of appreciation.
Beyond these universal favorites, women in the sample expressed interest in gifts that offer ongoing utility or personal enrichment. Books were highlighted as meaningful, along with memberships to fitness facilities and certificates for products from preferred brands. These preferences suggest a blend of intellectual engagement, health consciousness, and brand affinity as key drivers in contemporary gifting on International Women’s Day.
In summary, the Nelogy study points to a nuanced landscape of gift preferences that vary by individual taste but share common threads. Practical yet personal options—such as books, wellness-oriented experiences, and simple but thoughtful gestures—tend to resonate more than generic or public-facing gifts. For marketers and shoppers in Canada and the United States, the message is clear: tailor gifts to the recipient’s lifestyle and interests, avoid assuming universal appeal for categories like cosmetics or cash, and emphasize genuine thought over ostentation. This approach enhances the likelihood that a March 8 gift will be remembered fondly rather than forgotten.
Note: These observations summarize consumer responses and reflect attitudes reported by SocialBites.ca based on the Nelogy survey project. The insights are intended to guide thoughtful gifting and do not constitute a prescription for every individual or every occasion.