More than a third of people in the UK accidentally ruin Christmas surprises by signing for their own gifts

• 35 per cent of adults have unintentionally discovered their own Christmas presents, with 58 per cent saying giveaway branding on the box was the biggest clue
• One in 10 said they felt ‘out of control of Christmas’ when a loved one guessed their gift early
• 62 per cent are planning to get ahead with present shopping this year, making the most of online Black Friday sales

More than a third of adults have accidentally spoiled their own Christmas surprises – by taking in deliveries that turned out to be their own presents.

A poll of 2,000 adults that celebrate the festive season, revealed the biggest giveaway was the branding on the box (58 per cent).

Others admitted they guessed from the shape of the parcel (48 per cent) or the sound it made when shaken (37 per cent).

The weight of the delivery (35 per cent) and even the smell (19 per cent) were further clues. On average, those whose surprises were ruined said it happened three times last year alone.

With a third (33 per cent) now relying on online shopping for Christmas gifts, 18 per cent admitted they worry about someone they live with taking in a delivery, which is actually a gift intended for them.

And with 62 per cent planning to make the most of online Black Friday sales, the flurry of parcels could see even more presents revealed ahead of the big day.

The research, commissioned by Post Office, found a third of gift-givers said a surprise they’d planned for someone else was ruined the moment the delivery arrived.

It also emerged one in 10 even felt ‘out of control of Christmas’ when a loved one guessed what was in the package, while 46 per cent wished they could better manage the seasonal stress that comes with preparing for the festive period.

Candice Ohandjanian, Mails and Parcels Director at Post Office, said:
“Nothing ruins the magic of Christmas faster than signing for your own present or the kids spotting their gifts at the door. Yet a quarter of people across the UK still don’t know they can have their online shopping delivered to their local Post Office. So next time you’re shopping for gifts online, set your local branch as your delivery destination, keeping surprises secret and the magic of the season alive.”

The research also found 34 per cent of recipients admitted they correctly guessed what was inside a delivery, leaving 29 per cent of gift givers even feeling like they had to buy something new to make up for it.

To avoid such mishaps, 18 per cent get the items delivered to their workplace, while six per cent have even called in sick at work so they can be at home when their parcels arrive.

Yet, 25 per cent of those polled via OnePoll still don’t know they can arrange for online shopping to be delivered to a local Post Office, making it easier than ever to take back control of Christmas.

ENDS