First Annual Gifting Survey By Cross Pens Reveals Consumers Desire Personalization Above All Else When Receiving A Gift

It's no surprise that along with the rise in popularity of tech gadgets and availability of click, point and print gift certificates came a decline in the emotional association recipients have with most gifts.  A gift that the recipient has no emotion tie to is significantly more likely to be returned than one that has a personal connection. 43% of respondents expressed having an engraved message or name on the gift is what makes a gift feel truly personal while 40% believe having the gift be an item that cannot be replaced is important. 

The study found that an overwhelming majority of the respondents 90% have either received or gifted a pen in the past three years for either a significant milestone or holiday. Not surprisingly, 75% of respondents also expressed that they feel an engraved pen is one of the most personal and thoughtful gifts that they have ever received and felt that it was a gift that demonstrated that the giver cherished them and acknowledged the significance of the holiday. Due to the meaning felt behind giving an engraved pen, most respondents (84%) believe an engraved pen to be the best alternative to other commemorative gifts.

Additional results from the study, include:

• The most re-gifted gifts are perishable gifts (33%) and electronic gifts (29%)
• 22% of respondents reported "feeling nothing" when receiving an electronic gift such as a tablet or smartphone
  • When receiving an engraved pen as a gift, the top feelings for respondents were a memorable moment (33%), a sense of tradition (24%), or a sense of achievement (19%)
• Over the past 3 years, more than two-fifths of respondent's recall seeing more engraved gifts than in the past (42%)
• Nearly three-fifths of respondents have received an unexpected gift (58%)
• When receiving an unexpected gift, approximately one-fifth of respondents either fake being happy (21%) or fake liking the gift (19%)
• The most frequent reasons to give a gift are birthdays (49%), anniversaries (47%) and holidays (22%)

Overall, Cross uncovered that fine writing instruments are have significant impact within for consumers shopping for gifts that commemorate a special achievement, occasion, or holiday. Cross offers custom engraving on most of our products. In-house, skilled engravers use state-of-the-art equipment and work to the most exacting standards for unmatched engraving quality. For gifting inspiration or recommendations, please visit www.Cross.com the view the latest 2016 Holiday launches. Holiday gifts range from $45 – $10,000.

Study Methodology
This study is based on a survey conducted by STUDYLOGIC LLC via telephone of 1,340 respondents from the United States. The survey consisted of twenty-six questions including identifiers. Interviews were conducted between June 1st and June 15th, 2016. The survey averaged 25 minutes in length and contains a margin of error of +/-3%.

About CROSS
The story of the CROSS brand begins in 1846 when artisan Richard Cross, in partnership with his son Alonzo Townsend Cross, revolutionized fine writing instruments. Their early mark of entrepreneurial excellence included tools refined through more than 100 patents and accented by the spoils of the California gold rush. Still positioned to set the bar for what it means to symbolize achievement, human potential and usable luxury, CROSS seeks to provide those possessing extraordinary vision and a strong entrepreneurial spirit with the tools needed to make their mark.   

Media Contact:
Jasmine Hampton
MFA Ltd.
212.528.1691
[email protected]

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SOURCE A.T. Cross Company