The thought really does count with cosmetics sets proving popular

According to the ‘State of Small Gifting Report,’ a new holiday survey released from Walgreens, nearly all service providers (94%), such as teachers, health care providers, and home and repair professionals, feel more appreciated when they are remembered during the holidays.

At a time when the old adage: “it’s the thought that counts,” does the rounds, the survey finds that personal care sets are among favorite small gifts, with sets such as Burt’s Bees Essentials Kit, Aveeno Moisturizing Gift Set or Boots No7 Men Hydrating Shave Kit singled out.

Gift cards chocolates and candles were among the other top gifts, universally liked by respondents, outranking most other gift ideas.

Small gift giving​

The survey was designed and conducted by KRC Research on behalf of Walgreens and asked 799 service providers – some of the most common recipients of small gifts during the holidays –about what gift giving means to them, common gifts they receive, and what they actually most want.

It finds that many of the people who provide care and services don’t always come to mind when people think of giving gifts during the Holiday period; less than half of the people they serve give them a holiday gift. Although there is a lot of appreciation for the recognition.

“Survey results confirmed our long-held hunch: that being acknowledged, even in a small way, during the holiday season really means a lot to people,”​ says Moe Alkemade, head of seasonal merchandising for Walgreens.

“Even amid the holiday hustle and bustle, there are still thoughtful, convenient ways to celebrate those in our lives who help us manage each day.”​

Walgreens says that surprisingly, many Americans aren’t making the grade when it comes to remembering teachers and tutors, as they are the most commonly overlooked during the holiday season, with almost 40% of those surveyed receiving gifts from less than a quarter of their students.

In contrast, babysitters and nannies are the most likely group of ‘everyday helpers’ to receive a gift – more than 60% say those they work for give them a gift during the holidays.

The small gift giving does not even have to break the bank, as according to the report, only a small number of token gifts have a value of more than $20; the majority cost about $10 or less.