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New Survey Reveals The Naughty And Nice Of Holiday Gifting: What’s Hot, What’s Not, And What’s Top Of The Wish List

December 5th, 2025

CHICAGO, December 5, 2025 — A new survey* commissioned by the Illinois Lottery reveals what Illinoisans really think about holiday gifting—and the results range from surprising to hilarious. From re-gifting redemption to the season’s most misunderstood presents, the findings offer a playful but practical roadmap for smart holiday shopping.

Re-Gifting Gets a Reboot
Worried about re-gifting? Don’t be. According to the survey, Illinoisans are largely unfazed by it. Among those who have received a re-gift, a whopping 79% say they didn’t mind—it’s the thought that counts. Women (52%) are slightly more likely to re-gift than men (43%), with siblings (36%) and in-laws (29%) being the most common recipients.

Scratch-Offs Take Center Stage as the Season’s Surprise Star
83% of respondents say they’d enjoy receiving scratch-offs as a holiday gift, yet only 55% have ever received one—suggesting that scratch-offs are an untapped gifting MVP. The enthusiasm doesn’t stop there: one in four married Illinoisans admit that their ultimate holiday dream gift would be their spouse decked out head-to-toe in scratch-off lottery tickets (yes, really!). 

Buyer Beware: Gifts That May Send the Wrong Message
Couples, take note: some practical gifts may not land as warmly as intended. Husbands say the most passive-aggressive gift they’ve received is home improvement tools (27%), while wives cite cleaning supplies (26%) and home improvement tools (19%). 

Other risky categories include self-help books (15% for husbands, 12% for wives), organizational tools like calendars or planners (11% for husbands, 13% for wives), and workout clothes (10% for husbands, 8% for wives). Consider this your friendly reminder that practicality isn’t always festive.

The Dreaded Gift List
Thinking about wrapping up a neon reindeer sweater? Maybe reconsider. Fruit cakes (57%) and ugly holiday sweaters (48%) top the list of gifts Illinoisans hope not to unwrap. They’re followed by novelty mugs (27%), matching holiday pajamas (26%), and fuzzy slippers (21%). 

Other Festive Confessions

  • 63% of married Illinoisans say their spouse is hard to shop for, with husbands (71%) more likely than wives (55%) to feel that way.
  • 62% of men and 69% of women admit they’ve faked excitement over a holiday gift at least once.

Whether you’re dodging fruit cakes, debating a re-gift, or dreaming of a scratch-off surprise, one theme stands out: Illinoisans love gifts that bring a little excitement. This year, make holiday shopping simple—wrap up Illinois Lottery scratch-offs and give the gift of possibility.

* The Illinois Lottery surveyed 500 Illinois residents aged 18+ who celebrate winter holidays involving gift-giving. The survey was conducted in October 2025.

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About the Illinois Lottery

The Illinois Lottery, founded in 1974, has contributed over $25 billion to the State’s Common School Fund in support of K-12 public education in Illinois since 1985. The Common School Fund is the Illinois Lottery’s primary beneficiary, receiving nearly 99% of Illinois Lottery proceeds. The Illinois Lottery also supports various specialty causes as described in the Illinois Lottery Law (20 ILCS 1605/21.4). For more information about the Illinois Lottery and the causes we support, please visit IllinoisLottery.com.