One in three Britons have 'no idea' what to buy their partner for Christmas, study claims

Researchers find adults worry about impressing their significant other

Members of the public carry their shopping by the stalls of the Manchester Christmas Market which is spread across the city centre in Manchester, UK, 9 November 2018 (Oli Scarff / (AFP)

Buying a gift for a partner is the hardest present to purchase, a survey suggests.

Despite spending more time with a boyfriend or girlfriend than any other family member, more than a third have absolutely no idea what to get them this Christmas, the poll found.

The statistics show Britons are spending almost three hours scouring the shops for something suitable to buy their significant other – an hour and a half longer than it takes to choose one for their best friend.

Even present buying for a father is easier, with Britons taking an hour and 28 minutes to choose something.

The study of 2,000 adults suggested selecting a gift for a mother takes an average of an hour and 47 minutes while sisters take an hour and 12 minutes and brothers just under an hour.

A boss takes the least amount of effort – with workers taking just over half an hour to choose a gift fot the office secret Santa.

Researchers also found adults are most worried about impressing a partner, followed by children and their mother.

Fathers are the second hardest people to buy for, according to 17 per cent of adults.

Aunts, uncles and cousins take around 35 to 40 minutes to shop for.

The study, conducted byOnePoll ​for ipostparcels, also found a majority of people start thinking about and buying their Christmas presents seven weeks before 25 December.

SWNS