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December 26, 2025

New research from the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission shows that one third (32%) of consumers would regift an unwanted Christmas present if they didn’t have a receipt. It also showed that 42% of consumers never include a gift receipt when giving presents at Christmas. This rises to more than half (52%) of men surveyed. 

The research also shows:

• Only 5% would ask for a receipt in order to exchange an unwanted gift 

• Men are almost twice as likely as women to use an unwanted gift (19% vs 10% respectively) 

• 17% of consumers surveyed are likely to donate an unwanted gift to charity or fundraising events 

• Consumers aged 55+ are three times more likely to donate unwanted gifts than those under 35 (24% vs 7%) 

• 10% of consumers will either leave an unwanted gift unopened in storage or dump it 

Consumer rights for unwanted gifts

While consumers in Ireland have strong rights when something goes wrong, this does not apply to unwanted gifts. For gifts bought online, consumers have a right to cancel for up to 14 days but it’s important to note that this window begins when the gift is delivered by the retailer, not from when it’s gifted. There are also exceptions to this, such as customised clothing. 

While businesses are not legally obligated to accept an unwanted gift due to a change of mind, many stores have returns policies that allow gifts to be returned, with some offering extended return periods throughout January. However, it’s important to remember that they will usually require proof of purchase when returning a gift. 

Grainne Griffin, director of communications at the CCPC said:  

“While over half of consumers said they include a gift receipt at least some of the time, that still leaves a significant number who never include a receipt. This makes it harder to return or exchange unwanted gifts and can leave many unsure about what to do with their unwanted presents.

“While it’s great to see many consumers regifting, swapping or donating their unwanted gifts to avoid waste, 10% will leave it unopened or dump it and only 5% will ask for a receipt.”

Faulty goods

Irish consumers are protected for up to six years after buying a faulty good, with the original retailer responsible for resolving the issue. These rights are strongest in the first 30 days and the first year after making the purchase. However, you will often still need a proof of purchase when taking it back.  

Gift vouchers

In the lead up to Christmas, CCPC research showed that almost one in four consumers had not used the gift vouchers they received last Christmas.  

Grainne Griffin added:

“Since our pre-Christmas research showed that almost a quarter of consumers still had unused vouchers from nearly a year ago, we’re strongly advising anyone who has received a gift voucher this year to make a plan to spend it as early as possible.”

To find out more read the full post-Christmas 2025 report.

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