A study conducted by Rabota.ru and YuMoney explored how Russians greet colleagues on gender-related holidays, what gifts are considered appropriate, and how much people are willing to spend. Socialbites.ca reviewed the findings to share a clearer picture of current gifting habits.
According to the survey, 76% of respondents said colleagues at their workplace exchange greetings on these special occasions. Yet what matters most is not the gesture but the gift that follows. The most disliked present, cited by 60% of participants, is socks or underwear. Following closely behind, clothing and shoes were deemed inappropriate by 36%, and bath and body sets by 35%. Alcohol and discount vouchers in stores were also viewed unfavorably by 27% and 23% of respondents, respectively.
On the flip side, the preferences tilt toward treats and sweets, with nearly half of those surveyed (49%) naming them as ideal gifts. Flowers were a close second at 46%, and gift certificates for stores ranked third at 41%.
Interestingly, cosmetics and perfumes, despite being consistently popular gift categories, ranked sixth in both the favorable and unfavorable lists, illustrating a nuanced reception among recipients on gender holidays.
Data from YuKassa indicated a surge in jewelry sales on the eve of March 8, with turnover rising more than sevenfold versus the previous year. Online jewelry retailers also reported tripling sales, though the average purchase value dropped by about 59%, settling near 4,460 rubles. This shift points to a trend of larger overall volume but more frequent, smaller transactions in the run-up to the holiday.
As March 8 approaches, many shoppers reveal their gift wish lists, with gadgets consistently appearing among top dreams. Consumers name practical tech items, personal care gadgets, and small modern conveniences as desirable gifts, signaling a blend of usefulness and celebration in contemporary gifting choices.