New research has exposed a festive secret many West Australians share, with over a quarter admitting they are likely to pass on an unwanted gift this Christmas season.
The State of Regifting in Western Australia
According to a survey conducted by the online comparison service Compare the Market in October 2025, more than 25% of West Australians would consider regifting a present they either dislike or have received twice. The national survey, which included just over 1000 respondents, found that 28 per cent of Australians overall are open to the practice.
Interestingly, residents of Western Australia appear slightly more frugal or perhaps more sentimental than their eastern counterparts. The research showed that a third of those surveyed in both South Australia and New South Wales were considering regifting, a higher proportion than in the west.
From Trash to Treasure: The Fate of Unwanted Gifts
So what happens to presents that miss the mark? The survey outlined several destinies for less-than-perfect gifts across the nation.
Only 2% of respondents said they would simply throw an unwanted present away. A more charitable 15 per cent indicated they would donate items to a good cause. Others get creative: nearly 12 per cent would opt for a gift exchange, almost 9 per cent would attempt to return the item, and around 5 per cent would try to sell it.
When it comes to the types of gifts most likely to be passed on, books, candles, and beauty products top the list as the perennial regifting favourites.
Expert Advice for Savvy and Ethical Gift-Giving
Compare the Market’s economic director, David Koch, offered his perspective on the often-taboo topic. He suggested that regifting isn't necessarily a sign of 'Grinch behaviour'.
"Regifting is a taboo topic around this time of year, but it’s not always done with bad intentions," Mr Koch said. "It’s better than throwing an unwanted present away or having it gather dust in your cupboard."
He provided practical advice for shoppers, recommending they hold on to shopping receipts to facilitate easy exchanges. To avoid the regifting cycle altogether, he suggested asking loved ones for wish lists or organising a Secret Santa or White Elephant gift exchange to ease financial pressure.
Mr Koch also issued an important reminder regarding charity donations. "Before you go offloading all those candles or jocks and socks you don’t want, check if there are rules and guidelines around donations outlined by the charity," he warned. "These organisations do wonderful things for our most vulnerable during what can be a tricky time of the year - they’re not a dumping ground for rubbish."
This insight into consumer habits comes as the Australian Retailers Association predicts a massive $72.4 billion will be spent at retail during the six-week pre-Christmas period in 2025, highlighting the sheer volume of gifts that will change hands—and potentially be regifted.
