One in Four People Worry About Appearing 'Lazy': The True Feelings Behind Gift Selection in the Digital Age
InComm Japan conducted a survey on gifting habits among people in their 20s to 40s. While 'hand-delivering' remains the most memorable gifting method, consumers also value the convenience of e-gifts. To address both needs, InComm Japan launched 'Eraberu Gift,' a multi-choice gift card available at convenience stores since April 7, 2026.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 20, 2026 at 21:07
- 🔍 Collected: May 20, 2026 at 12:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 20, 2026 at 12:45 (14 min after Collected)
The rise of 'e-gifts,' which can be sent via URL through SNS or messaging apps, has diversified gifting methods. While convenience has increased, the value of 'hand-delivering' is being re-evaluated by both senders and recipients. This survey investigated attitudes toward hand-delivered versus electronic gifts among 20-40 year-olds in Japan.
## 1. Hand-Delivered Gifts Remain Most Memorable
When asked which method is more memorable (Q1), 'hand-delivering a physical object' accounted for 57.7% of responses, significantly higher than the 15.1% who chose 'sending electronically via LINE or email.' This highlights that physical interaction remains strong despite digitization.
## 2. Reasons for Hand-Delivering: Conveying Feelings vs. Avoiding Perceptions of 'Laziness'
The top reasons for preferring hand-delivery (Q2) were 'conveying feelings' (59.4%), followed by 'seeing the recipient's reaction' (39.2%). Notably, about one in four respondents (26.7%) stated they chose hand-delivery because they 'did not want to be seen as lazy.' High-convenience e-gifts create a psychological hurdle where some feel they may be perceived as too casual.
## 3. Half of Respondents Use E-Gifts for Convenience
45.5% of respondents have sent gifts via LINE or email. Top reasons included 'living far away' (40.9%), 'ease of arrangement' (36.0%), and 'reducing the burden on the recipient' (34.8%). E-gifts are valued for convenience and rationality in overcoming distance.
## 4. The New Standard: Balancing Manners with Rationality
InComm Japan has launched 'Eraberu Gift,' a multi-choice gift card sold at FamilyMart and Ministop stores since April 7, 2026, which combines the warmth of hand-delivery with the convenience of letting the recipient choose their preferred items.
Product Overview
- Name: Eraberu Gift
- Features: Physical card with an envelope; a multi-choice card allowing selection from multiple products.
- Price: 3,000 / 5,000 / 10,000 / 30,000 JPY (Tax-exempt)
## 1. Hand-Delivered Gifts Remain Most Memorable
When asked which method is more memorable (Q1), 'hand-delivering a physical object' accounted for 57.7% of responses, significantly higher than the 15.1% who chose 'sending electronically via LINE or email.' This highlights that physical interaction remains strong despite digitization.
## 2. Reasons for Hand-Delivering: Conveying Feelings vs. Avoiding Perceptions of 'Laziness'
The top reasons for preferring hand-delivery (Q2) were 'conveying feelings' (59.4%), followed by 'seeing the recipient's reaction' (39.2%). Notably, about one in four respondents (26.7%) stated they chose hand-delivery because they 'did not want to be seen as lazy.' High-convenience e-gifts create a psychological hurdle where some feel they may be perceived as too casual.
## 3. Half of Respondents Use E-Gifts for Convenience
45.5% of respondents have sent gifts via LINE or email. Top reasons included 'living far away' (40.9%), 'ease of arrangement' (36.0%), and 'reducing the burden on the recipient' (34.8%). E-gifts are valued for convenience and rationality in overcoming distance.
## 4. The New Standard: Balancing Manners with Rationality
InComm Japan has launched 'Eraberu Gift,' a multi-choice gift card sold at FamilyMart and Ministop stores since April 7, 2026, which combines the warmth of hand-delivery with the convenience of letting the recipient choose their preferred items.
Product Overview
- Name: Eraberu Gift
- Features: Physical card with an envelope; a multi-choice card allowing selection from multiple products.
- Price: 3,000 / 5,000 / 10,000 / 30,000 JPY (Tax-exempt)
FAQ
What are the features of 'Eraberu Gift'?
It is a multi-choice gift card that comes with an envelope for a personal touch, allowing the recipient to freely choose their preferred items.
What concerns arise when choosing e-gifts?
While highly convenient, there are psychological barriers such as worries that they may seem 'too easy' or 'lazy'.
Who were the survey participants?
1,410 men and women aged 20-49 across Japan who have had gifting experience within the past 12 months.