The 5000 yen rule and skincare as a popular (and seasonal!) gift

If you've spent a winter or two in Japan, you'll know that December gifting here doesn't always look the way it does back home. In saying that, you can forget the pressure of fancy jewelry or extravagant dinners according to a recent survey by Gorilla Clinic. 1,000 people across Japan were polled, and the results suggest that Christmas gifts are getting smaller and more practical.

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According to the study, over 70% of respondents said the ideal gift for someone of the opposite sex sits at ¥5,000–¥10,000 or less. That "¥5,000 rule" has become the new normal, especially as lifestyles diversify and more people spend Christmas casually, or even solo. Nearly half of those surveyed said they don't plan to spend Christmas with anyone special this year, which probably rings true for many expats navigating busy work schedules or a quieter holiday season here compared to back home.

One clear takeaway from the survey was the popularity of skincare as a gift. Over 80% said they’d be happy to receive it, with moisturizing products topping the list. It's worth noting, though, that the survey was run by a cosmetic clinic, so skincare was always likely to feature prominently. Still, the results do line up neatly with everyday winter life here, where dry air, heated offices, and constant hand washing take a real toll on skin.

I think the results of this survey worked as a good reminder that gift giving here doesn't need to be overly stressful. A thoughtfully chosen lotion, hand cream, or face mask is practical, considerate, and very much appropriate for the season.