Merry Cheatmas: The Sneaky Tricks People Use to Survive Christmas 2025

When holiday budgets are tighter than ever, and every dollar has a job, gift-giving becomes less about sentiment and more about strategy. Casinos Analyzer’s new survey uncovers a surprisingly honest look at how people bend the rules of Christmas – from planned returns to stealthy re-gifting, thrift-store shopping, and even keeping packages that weren’t meant for them.

Key findings:

• 61% ask for gift receipts because they already expect to return the gift
  
  
• 63% save gift bags and wrapping just to reuse them later
  
  
• 54% plan to give DIY gifts to save money
  
  
• Nearly 50% expect to buy Christmas gifts from thrift stores
  
  
• 28% plan to give grocery gift cards
  
  
• 31% keep misdelivered packages, and just as many gift them at Christmas

Wrapped With Care, Returned Without Shame

More than 60% of people admit they ask for a gift receipt because they already know they’ll return the present. It’s all about the refund.

Even more, 44% openly say they do return gifts they receive. Whether it’s the wrong size, the wrong scent, or the wrong energy entirely, nearly half the gifts given this year won’t make it past New Year’s Eve. Many shoppers are already planning their post-Christmas returns before the wrapping paper even hits the floor.

The Secret Second Life of Last Year’s Presents 

Re-gifting used to be a whispered taboo. In 2025, it’s considered conscious.

About 44% of people admit they’ve given someone a gift they received the year before – and the motivations are far from mysterious. Why let a perfect candle, scarf, mug set, or bath kit die in a drawer when it can be redeployed?

The funniest part? These numbers mirror the overall percentage of people who return presents. Gifts just circulate.

Homemade Gifting Takes Over 2025

More than 54% say they plan to give at least one DIY gift this year just to save money. For many, a handmade gift isn’t about creativity – it’s about savings.

By December, the holiday season hits hardest: travel, food, decor, family plans, and gift lists snowball into a financial avalanche. People turn to DIY because it feels personal, affordable, and possible.

2025 Is the Year of Thriftmas

Nearly 50% of respondents say they’re turning to thrift stores for Christmas gifts this year.

Whether it’s nostalgia, sustainability, or pure financial survival, second-hand gifting is now mainstream. People are shifting away from the pressure of brand-new, full-price items and embracing the thrill of the hunt.

The modern holiday motto? If it looks good, give it. No one needs to know it came from the third shelf of a charity shop.

The Practical Gift Takeover 

A solid 28% say they’re giving grocery gift cards – not wine, not gadgets, but literal groceries. Another 20% are gifting subscription cards, 15% gas cards, and 13% household essentials.

People want gifts that work. Something you’ll use. Something you needed anyway. In a year of skyrocketing prices, practicality beats sentiment.

Christmas Crime Season - Missing Gifts

Here’s the plot twist no one expected: holiday package drama is just as universal as Christmas dinner.

Nearly 50% say a Christmas gift package meant for them has gone missing or been stolen from their doorstep.

About 31% of people admit they’ve kept a package delivered to them by mistake. And almost the same percentage say they’ve gone even further and used a misdelivered package as a Christmas gift.

Ethically questionable, financially convenient, but when times get tough, even Santa starts cutting corners.

Methodology

To create this study, researchers from Casinos Analyzer surveyed 1500 U.S. participants aged 21–40 of all genders in December 2025. All participants completed the survey online.