THE interactive test asks a series of fun questions to determine what kind of gifter you are – from when you start ticking off your list to how much effort you put into finding the perfect present.
Among the possible outcomes are the ‘Pre-loved Pro’, someone who loves the thrill of hunting down second-hand treasures with history and heart.
And the ‘Crafty Creator’, a hands-on gifter who makes their own presents for a truly personal touch.
It comes after research of 2,000 adults who shop at Christmas found the typical festive shopping spree involves an hour spent queuing and £494 spent on gifts for an average of eight loved ones.
The research and quiz were commissioned by Oxfam to mark the launch of its Personal Shopper Gifting service in select stores, designed to encourage a more affordable and stress-free Christmas.
The service will be available in Twickenham, Manchester and Oxford stores, on the 6th and 7th December.
Lorna Fallon, retail director at Oxfam, said: “Everyone has their own approach to Christmas shopping.
“For some, it’s about the excitement of the high street, for others it’s finding something meaningful that shows real thought.
“Increasingly, we’re seeing people shift away from purely transactional gift-giving and towards choices that carry a story or a sense of purpose.
“That might mean choosing something pre-loved, handmade or simply unique to the person receiving it.
“Shopping has become as much about connection as it is about convenience – and that’s especially true at Christmas.”
Across the average festive shopping experience, buyers will visit five shops across three separate trips, while also spending over an hour and a half browsing online for the perfect presents.
However, 65 per cent are keen to hunt down unique gifts this year – rather than buying items anyone could pick up – and 42 per cent are even considering purchasing second-hand presents.
Those embracing pre-loved gifting are browsing online marketplaces (64 per cent), charity shops (61 per cent) and vintage stores (36 per cent) in search of one-of-a-kind finds.
Two in three (63 per cent) said buying second-hand is a great way to save money, while 50 per cent do it to reduce waste.
And for 35 per cent, it’s simply about the joy of an old-fashioned treasure hunt.
Despite this, 66 per cent admit they find Christmas shopping stressful – with crowded shops (52 per cent) and feeling rushed (30 per cent) the biggest turn-offs.
Meanwhile, 69 per cent added poor customer service would make them look elsewhere next year, according to the survey carried out by OnePoll.
When asked what would make high-street shopping more enjoyable, 60 per cent wished for shorter queues and 43 per cent wanted easier parking.
A third (35 per cent) noted friendly, helpful staff would make the experience far more pleasant, while 15 per cent would love a personal shopping experience.
Lorna Fallon, for Oxfam, added: “For many, Christmas shopping is something to be endured rather than enjoyed – but it doesn’t have to be that way.
“What people really want is time and space to browse, to be inspired, and to find gifts that mean something.
“Creating an experience which feels calm, considered and welcoming makes a huge difference, and that’s what we try to offer in our stores.
“The festive season should be a reminder that thoughtful giving doesn’t have to come with stress attached.”
