Christmas stockings and under-the tree gifts will include branded samples this year as consumers top up their gift giving with free samples, new research from Royal Mail revealed today.

The study revealed that over a third (35%) of people are boosting the presents they will give this year with free samples that they have received through the letterbox.

Children and friends are the people most likely to receive a free sample as a gift this year. Almost half of children (44%) and 36% of friends can expect to find a freebie somewhere amongst their presents this Christmas, the study highlights.

The research also found that 18-24 year olds are the age group most likely (58%) to give a free sample as a gift; people in Wales are most likely to give someone a freebie (42%) while the Scots are least likely (30%); 17% of husbands and wives planning to give free samples to their other halves this year

The most popular samples to gift wrap include:
- Perfume samples (33%)
- Health and beauty sachets (24%)
- Money-off vouchers (16%)
- Make up sachets (9%)
- Food samples (6%)


Phil Ricketts, head of strategy, sales and marketing at Royal Mail Door to Door, says: “We already know that consumers enjoy receiving samples through their letterboxes. The trend of topping up Christmas stockings with samples shows that people really see a benefit in receiving something for nothing that can be enjoyed and given to others.”