Brits spoil Christmas surprises by accidentally doing 1 thing | UK | News

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 who celebrate the festive season revealed the biggest giveaway was the branding on the box.

Others admitted they guessed it was their present from the shape of the parcel, or the sound it made when shaken. The weight of the delivery and even the smell were also further clues. On average, those whose surprises were ruined said it happened three times last year alone.

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

What’s more, with 62% 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% wished they could better manage the seasonal stress that comes with preparing for the festive period.

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

To avoid such mishaps, 18% get the items delivered to their workplace, while 6% have even called in sick at work so they can be at home when their parcels arrive.

Candice Ohandjanian, mails and parcels director at Post Office, added: “Nothing ruins the magic of Christmas faster than signing for your own present or the kids spotting their gifts at the door.

“A quarter of people across the UK still don’t know they can have their online shopping delivered to their local branch.

“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.”