More than half of Russians, about 55 percent, struggle to respond properly when loved ones jokingly reject gifts or dismiss them as unnecessary due to cost. This insight comes from a Megamarket study that socialbites.ca reviewed in detail, revealing how gift-giving is perceived and managed in everyday life.
For many Russians, gifts are seen as a required part of celebrations. In this survey, 76 percent of respondents said they buy presents for specific occasions such as birthdays, New Year, housewarmings, and weddings. Additionally, 73 percent stated they give gifts to please someone else, while 56 percent cited gratitude as the motive for giving. These findings point to gifts functioning as a social ritual that reinforces relationships and social bonds during meaningful moments.
Analysts highlighted that a striking 66 percent of participants had heard comments like It wasn’t necessary, Why, I’d rather spend it on myself, or I have everything at least once when receiving a gift. Most respondents said they understood these reactions, yet 55 percent admitted they did not know how to respond in a constructive way. This indicates a gap between the intention to make someone happy and the skills to handle skeptical or practical replies with grace and clarity.
When it comes to choosing a gift, a large majority, 77 percent, prefer to decide independently without consulting the recipient. The leading criterion is usefulness, with half of the respondents citing practical value as the main motivator. Originality and novelty are less influential, guiding only about a quarter of respondents. Humorous gifts, non-material tokens, and handmade items rank even lower in popularity, suggesting a practical preference that prioritizes tangible benefit over surprise or whimsy.
The gender gap in gifting habits is noticeable: women report receiving gifts more frequently than men, yet they also tend to experience more positive emotions during the act of giving. Women are more likely to pay attention to presentation, including gift packaging. In fact, 31 percent of men use professional packaging services, while 34 percent do not engage in this step at all. Interestingly, one in five survey participants said they decorate gifts using leftover bags, paper, and ribbons, showing a fondness for personal touches that do not necessarily add cost or complexity to the process.