IT’S A case of being upfront and dropping those hints early for locals in Birmingham where Christmas presents are concerned, according to new research. 1 in 4 say the earlier loved ones drop hints, the more likely they are to fulfil them - and as 32% of residents will start their Christmas shopping after November pay day, now really is the time to start dropping hints.  

According to the survey of 1,025 UK adults by One4all, the Post Office gift card, keeping quiet about what you want until someone else raises the topic is a dangerous game, as 29% of Brummies have gone to buy an item that a friend or loved one has told them they want, only to find it was sold out.

Adults in Birmingham who drop hints are more likely to open their desired items on Christmas day than the majority of the UK, as 71% say they usually buy the items that loved ones have hinted they would like – 10% more than the national average.  

The research shows it is best to forget British reserve: more than 1 in 3 (34%) prefer friends and family to directly tell them what they would like. Those who are too shy to do so should write wish lists for loved ones, which the survey found is the most socially acceptable way to do so, with 46% of respondents welcoming this.

Aoife Davey, Group Marketing Manager at One4all Gift Cards, commented on the research: “As a nation, we’re very conscious not to appear cheeky or too upfront, but it would appear that in actual fact, that’s what many would prefer, especially in Birmingham.

“The survey revealed some interesting findings in the region - far from preferring the reserved, traditionally British approach, most Brummies would rather friends and family just told them what they wanted, wrote a wish list or dropped significant hints in the run up to Christmas, and I think that’s down to the fact we want to avoid the embarrassment of getting a gift wrong, and the awkwardness that can ensue for both parties.

“Most significantly, the research pinpointed that now is the time to begin dropping hints as our thoughts turn to Christmas shopping”.

More than 1 in 5 Birmingham residents say they usually drop hints in the run up to Christmas with 26% of local respondents claiming they are usually successful in doing so, and have had their hints fulfilled.