By SWNS Staff
New York office - 646-873-7565 / usnews@swns.com
Having trouble finding that perfect gift for somebody this holiday season? The answer might lie in your kitchen.
A new survey of 2,000 Americans found that the overwhelming majority of us (73 percent) would rather receive the gift of food over some type of object or thing this year.
Grabbing something from a store just isn’t cutting it anymore when it comes to holiday gifts. According to the results, seven in 10 (69 percent) respondents said they’re much more likely to be touched by some type of food gift.
The study, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Omaha Steaks, also found that the top reason people like to receive food as a gift is because they like to try new food and wouldn’t have bought it for themselves otherwise.
While eating the actual gift is always enjoyable, spending time with people emerged as a big reason why the gift of food is even more appreciated.
More than half of the respondents said they like getting a food gift because they like to share it with friends and family.
And getting somebody a food gift may also result in an invitation to eat it with them, as 53 percent of respondents say they like to enjoy the food with the person who gave it to them in the first place.
You should also feel flattered if you receive a food gift from somebody this year. According to the poll, two-thirds of Americans say they are much more likely to get a food gift for somebody they really care about.
Additionally, 79 percent of Americans agree that food has the ability to bring people together and 70 percent agree food gifts – more than other gifts – come from the heart.
"A food gift from Omaha Steaks shows those closest to you how much you really care,” said Senior Vice President and Fifth-Generation Family Owner Todd Simon. “It frees up your shopping time and it frees up their time in having to meal plan – giving you more time to spend together preparing and enjoying a gourmet holiday meal.”
Americans are busier than ever with the holiday season ramping up, and while the large majority of those polled (79 percent) say that getting somebody the perfect gift means a lot to them, 66 percent say that they simply lack the time this year to get everybody on their list a gift.
Unfortunately, according to the results, that leads to the average American forgoing getting a gift for five loved ones, with 23 percent saying it’s even more people than that.
But food remains a popular choice among the busy crowd — 48 percent say they are likely to whip up an edible gift if they’re running low on time, with gift cards reigning supreme (53 percent) among the time-challenged.
“The holidays are a busy time for everyone, so if you find yourself rushed to complete your holiday shopping, Omaha Steaks has the solution,” Simon added.
TOP REASONS AMERICANS PREFER A FOOD GIFT
1. I like to try new food and wouldn't have bought it for myself otherwise 56%
2. I can enjoy/share it with family and friends 53%
3. I get to spend time with that person prepping/cooking etc. 53%
4. It shows they know me more as a person 51%
5. It's more meaningful 49%
