Insights

Americans Waste Over $10 Billion on ‘Unwanted Gifts’ Annually

This season, generosity comes at a staggering cost: Americans are expected to spend over $10.1 billion on gifts that are unwanted, unused, or immediately discarded. According

Published: Dec 14, 2025 10:13 PM

By RETAILBOSS Team

Insights

Americans Waste Over $10 Billion on ‘Unwanted Gifts’ Annually

Source: MyRegistry.com

This season, generosity comes at a staggering cost: Americans are expected to spend over $10.1 billion on gifts that are unwanted, unused, or immediately discarded. According to Finder.com, more than half (53%) of U.S. adults will receive at least one unwanted present in 2025, with an average of $72 wasted per gift. The impact is not just financial—an estimated 5.8 billion pounds of returned inventory ends up in U.S. landfills every year, generating 16 million metric tons of CO₂, Optoro’s research warns.

The Ripple Effect: Waste Beyond the Gift

The National Retail Federation reports that retailers processed $890 billion in returns last year, and 17% of holiday purchases end up back at the store. The result: a cascade of wasted materials, excess packaging, lost value and environmental harm. Research finds that 42% of unwanted gifts are packed away in storage, while 22% are regifted and 5% tossed straight into the…

trash—often while still wrapped. Smarter Giving for 2025: The Rise of Registries Universal registry platform MyRegistry.com offers a modern solution: one registry, any item, any retailer—online or local.

Users can select gifts they truly want and coordinate with friends and family for zero duplication and 95% satisfaction rates, dramatically higher than the 60% for traditional surprise gifting. The result? Less waste, more meaningful gifts, and a reduced carbon footprint from shipping and returns.

Why It Matters: Sustainability, Flexibility, and Meaning Zero unwanted gifts: Registry-based giving nearly eliminates guesswork. Less landfill: Thoughtful selection means less packaging and wasted goods. Universal options: Add products, experiences, cash funds or charitable donations.

Lower emissions: Fewer returns mean less transportation and manufacturing waste. McKinsey and PwC research reveal a clear shift: consumers are now intentional about gifting, prioritizing value, shared experiences, and sustainability…

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Americans Waste Over $10 Billion on ‘Unwanted Gifts’ Annually

This season, generosity comes at a staggering cost: Americans are expected to spend over $10.1 billion on gifts that are unwanted, unused, or immediately discarded. According

The Ripple Effect: Waste Beyond the Gift

Unlock the rest of this story

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