Choosing a Memorable Christmas Gift

Do you remember what you got for Christmas as a child.

Although I remember the big things like a much-longed for bike, it is the silly little presents that hold the fondest of memories for me.

One of my very favourite presents was a colour changing torch! I used to spend hours changing the lens to turn the torch light from red to green to white and back again.

Another favourite was a reversible dalmation jumper, a strange padded sweatshirt-like item of clothing that was very 80’s, but I lived in it for months!

From ‘ever so useful socks’, to the ‘treat’ we never knew we wanted – we all remember a Christmas where we received a poorly picked present. So it’s no surprise that when December 25^th rolls around, we all want to receive a gift that’s memorable for all the right reasons.

To inspire Brits to make the right decision when it comes to gift giving, Moonpig conducted their Christmas survey to explore the most memorable gifts and favourite presents received by members of the British public.

The Moonpig Christmas survey unveiled that memorable, ‘money can’t buy’ gifts received as an adult include an all-clear health check following a cancer diagnosis and a pregnant wife. Oddly light bulbs also feature on the list. Despite this range of gifts, the surprising standout stat was that for 80% of us, the gifts we received as children are more memorable than those we receive as adults.

Children’s handmade presents, getting engaged and having family around on Christmas Day all also featured among the nation’s favourite gifts and it’s clear the true heartfelt magic of Christmas lies with the innocence of childhood.

This prompted Moonpig to launch the Kids’ Institute to identify what makes the perfect present for our mini-mes, and to see the unfiltered reactions when gifts don’t quite meet expectations – I so want to try this with my kids, I am sure their reactions will be hilarious.

Moonpig invited a group of children to open a range of presents to gauge initial reactions to traditional and not so traditional gifts. Kids really have no qualms; with one young man aghast at opening a gift of a packet of Brussels sprouts, to a little lady bemused by an empty foil tin.

The day also showcased how buoyant kids can be; with two little boys exchanging a knowing glance following the unwrapping of a roll of toilet tissue, and a  group of girls getting the giggles over a jar of pickled onions. The Moonpig Kids’ Institute highlighted that while adults may cite money and gadgets as their top gifts, there’s no denying that children are far less predictable – and funny – when it comes to their present expectations!

With Kids’ Institute approved gifts including My Little Pony ‘Twilight Sparkle’ (Eliza’s favourite), Minion’s Bob Holding a Bear and Build Your Own Batmobile, it’s clear that while you might need to banish the sprouts and trash the toothbrushes, Moonpig really is the perfect place to ensure you’re a seasonal sensation when picking presents this Christmas.