Chicago, IL (CHAMBANA TODAY) – A new statewide survey commissioned by the Illinois Lottery offers a revealing — and often humorous — look at how Illinoisans feel about holiday gifting. The findings, based on responses from 500 residents aged 18 and older, paint a picture of a gift-giving season filled with re-gifting, risky “practical” presents, and a surprising enthusiasm for scratch-off lottery tickets.
One of the biggest takeaways is that re-gifting appears to be more accepted than ever. Nearly eight in 10 Illinoisans who have received a re-gift say they didn’t mind, with women slightly more likely than men to pass along a previously received item. Siblings and in-laws are the most common recipients.
Scratch-off tickets may be one of the season’s most underrated gifts. While 83% of respondents say they’d enjoy receiving them, just 55% have ever gotten one. A quarter of married Illinoisans even said their dream gift would be their spouse covered head-to-toe in scratch-off tickets.
The survey also shows that some gifts can send unintentionally negative messages. Husbands cited home improvement tools as the most passive-aggressive gift they’ve been given, while wives pointed to cleaning supplies. Other items considered risky include self-help books, planners, and workout clothing.
As for the gifts Illinois residents hope to avoid, fruit cakes and ugly holiday sweaters top the list, followed by novelty mugs, matching pajamas, and fuzzy slippers. The report also found that most married people consider their spouse difficult to shop for, and many admit they’ve faked excitement over a disappointing gift.
