Crisis: Medications top the list of most sought-after New Year presents amidst pandemic
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, health-related gifts have taken centre stage this festive season. According to Nicolas Koro of the Marketing Guild Council, medicinal drugs, wipes, and health gadgets are among the most popular New Year's gifts this year.
The pandemic has significantly influenced people's health awareness and behaviours, leading to a surge in demand for products that support immunity, hygiene, and personal health. As a result, herbal medicines and immune-boosting remedies have become popular complementary approaches to conventional healthcare, encouraging gifts that promote well-being and preventive health.
The normalisation and expansion of telehealth services have also fuelled interest in health-related gadgets and digital health tools. This shift towards digital health has influenced gifting trends, favouring items that enhance health monitoring and personal care.
Moreover, precautions taken due to the pandemic, such as mask-wearing and hygiene measures, have made health-protective items status symbols and everyday essentials. This has fostered their popularity as gifts during holidays, including New Year's.
Interestingly, anolyte installations are particularly favoured as gifts by medical professionals. Anolyte is a type of water that contains a high concentration of active oxygen, which is known for its antimicrobial properties.
While many men may still prefer quality alcohol or gadgets as gifts, and women continue to show a preference for jewelry, clothing, and high-end household appliances, there is a notable shift towards health-focused gifts this year. In fact, books as gifts have been steadily holding their ground in the rankings of gift-giving readiness and children's expectations for the third year in a row.
However, approximately 20% of people do not plan to spend money on gifts for friends, colleagues, and even family members. Interestingly, men are more accepting of not receiving gifts this year, while women still hold traditional preferences.
In conclusion, the pandemic has significantly influenced gifting trends, with health-related gifts taking the lead this New Year's. The increased focus on health, the expansion of health technology, and new hygiene norms have collectively shaped a rise in health-focused gifts, reflecting a societal shift towards valuing health security and resilience after the pandemic's impacts.
[1] Source: NEWS.ru [2] Source: Journal of Medical Internet Research [3] Source: The Lancet [4] Source: World Health Organisation [5] Source: The Guardian
Science plays a crucial role in the health-and-wellness gifts that are popular this New Year, as the hunt for immunity boosters and antimicrobial solutions has led to a surge in interest in herbal medicines and anolyte installations. Telehealth services and digital health tools have also influenced gifting trends, with demand for health monitoring gadgets on the rise.
