It’s the thought that counts for late holiday gifts, researchers say

In the United States, the holiday shopping season leads to a significant influx of returns as the festivities wrap up. Currently, retailers are anticipating a return volume that will reach approximately $900 billion, with an expectation that around 17% of seasonal sales will be sent back by customers. The return peak is projected to last until early January, with many customers taking their unwanted gifts to shipping hubs such as FedEx to navigate this busy time of year. Last year, e-commerce purchases were notably higher in return rates, and this trend continues as online shopping becomes the preferred method for consumers. FedEx is one of the major players handling the increase in return shipments, reporting that it managed around 16 million deliveries each day leading up to Christmas. In response to the holiday rush, FedEx workers are diligently sorting and shipping thousands of packages, sometimes reaching numbers as high as 80,000 per day. As Latonya Rascoe, a FedEx employee in Anchorage, Alaska, noted, they even operate on Christmas Day to accommodate the influx of returns, ensuring that all customers can process their shipments effectively. Experts also emphasize the importance of understanding retailer return policies, as rules vary widely across businesses. Some retailers may impose fees for shipping back goods, making it essential for customers to research their options before initiating a return. To facilitate a smoother process, people are advised to keep items in their original packaging and retain receipts, as many miss deadlines for returns. Gift-giving customs can add additional pressure, as more than half of Americans report feeling stressed about holiday gifting. Research indicates that this anxiety can lead individuals to overestimate the negative effects of sending gifts late. Studies suggest that recipients often care less about the timing of a gift than givers believe, indicating that any gesture, even a delayed one, is often valued. Thus, while many may feel pressured to adhere to gift-giving norms, it's important to remember that late gifts are generally not viewed unfavorably by recipients.