We’ve all been there. It’s three days until Christmas and only one gift has been bought. Cue the quick-fire online purchasing, followed by a 3pm skid to the retail park.
Rushing is on the rise: last year saw retail footfall on Christmas Eve up 31% compared to the previous year. And it seems last-minute purchasing does not a satisfying gift make. In January 2025, £1.51bn worth of gifts were returned to retailers, according to home delivery specialist Parcelhero. On 2 January, there was a 6.8% increase in returns compared to the same day the previous year.
Now, with plenty of time still left until the big day, consider these ideas to channel a slower, calmer pace. Not only in regards to gifting, but around how you spend your time over the holidays, too.
