Swiss chocolates, French perfume, and Egyptian cotton bedding, have topped the Christmas wish list – of gifts from overseas, according to research. A poll of 2,000 adults, who celebrate the festive season, found 88 percent love getting goodies from abroad – with many hoping to unwrap a leather wallet or handbag from Italy on the 25th.
One in four would love to receive maple syrup from Canada, and 21 percent have their eye on manuka honey from New Zealand. Meanwhile, others are keen to unwrap a Spanish olive oil set, flower bulbs from the Netherlands, or speciality beers from Belgium.
The research was commissioned by HSBC UK, as Global Money data from the bank shows customers have been spending the most money on online purchases from the USA in the 12 months since it launched – followed by Spain, France, and the UAE.
Pella Frost, head of everyday banking at the brand, said: “During the holiday season, there’s something truly magical about receiving gifts from abroad.
“It’s not just about the contents of the parcel – it’s about the sentiment behind it, and the effort the gift giver has put into sourcing something extra special for a loved one.
“As an international bank, we know consumers have more international tastes and interests than ever before, which is why so many are eager to experience something truly authentic from the countries we love.”
The study also found half of those polled feel receiving a gift from abroad makes it more unique – while 28 percent say it is often something they have never tried before. And 43 percent reckon it just feels a little fancier getting a gift which has travelled from overseas.
It also emerged 43 percent of Christmas lovers have gifted presents from abroad in the past, with 82 percent of these picking them up on their travels. However, 45 percent went online to find that special something, according to the research, conducted via OnePoll.
In fact, three in 10 are planning on wrapping up a foreign present this Christmas for a loved one – with France being the leading country that UK shoppers are turning to for gift inspiration. This was followed by Italy, and the USA – with the average shopper spending nearly £90 on items from abroad.
However, many have encountered barriers when it comes to shopping abroad – with 73 percent finding the cost of delivery restrictive, while 64 percent worry about the time it takes to arrive.
And 45 percent were unsure if sites were trusted retailers, with a further 38 percent having encountered additional charges because they haven’t paid in the local currency.
Pella Frost, from HSBC UK Global Money, which allows customers to convert, hold, or send money to more than 200 countries and regions worldwide, without paying the bank’s fees, added: “It’s clear from our research that customers love the idea of giving and receiving gifts from outside the UK – but typically, there are cost barriers.
“At a time when every penny counts, we want to make sure shoppers can spend their money globally, without facing additional fees at the checkout.”
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