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The holiday season is filled with joy, celebration, and the excitement of gift-giving — along with the anticipation of what might be waiting inside each perfectly wrapped package.

If you’ve ever unwrapped a present that left little impression, you’re far from alone.

In fact, a recent survey from the Sandals Institute of Romance, which polled more than 1,000 people who are currently or have previously been in a relationship over the holidays, uncovered that nearly half of respondents (46%) can’t clearly remember the gifts they received from their partner during past holidays – while one in six admits their partner’s presents often miss the mark.

Moreover, 72% say they’ve been disappointed by a holiday gift from their partner at least once, and nearly 60% have returned or considered returning a holiday gift from a partner. It’s no wonder that nearly all respondents (90%) believe their partner struggles with gift giving.

Even when loved ones try their best, choosing the perfect present can be tough, especially when 35% of people feel uncomfortable telling their partner what they truly want for the holidays, and nearly half (49%) attempt to drop hints that usually don’t work.

All the while, a growing number of people say what they truly want isn’t something that comes in a box. Experiences, especially those shared with someone special, are becoming the most meaningful gifts of all, with 42% agreeing that their favorite relationship memory came from a shared experience rather than a material gift. Sunset catamaran cruise, anyone?

Hint the Caribbean

This year, Sandals is helping couples hint the Caribbean this year with the ultimate Hinting Kit — a playful, light-hearted guide filled with tips and tools to to steer friends and family toward the gift you’re truly dreaming of: white sand beaches, turquoise water, warm breezes, and the chance to unwind in a place where connection can thrive, and memories can be made.

Instead of directly saying you’d love a Caribbean getaway (although that’s okay, too), Sandals is giving you everything you need to drop subtle, sunny hints that feel fun, festive, and totally inconspicuous (insert smirk emoji).

There are plenty of easy ways to “hint” at home. Start with the thermostat, turn it up just a touch to evoke those perfect Caribbean mid-80s temperatures, and casually mention how wonderful it would feel to escape the cold and bask in real island sunshine. Bring out the grill and cook up some Caribbean favorites from your Hinting Kit, like jerk chicken or savory patties, smoothly commenting (keep it cool) on how amazing it’d be to travel to the motherland of these tasty dishes.

Get vacation vibes started and throw on the Sandals’ Hint the Caribbean Spotify playlist, with a mix of island-inspired music: reggae, calypso, ska, and share your vision of toes-in-the-sand dancing to those rhythms live. If they still aren’t getting it? Take it up a notch and incorporate the wardrobe; bust out the swimsuit, sandals, and breezy linen resort pieces that suggest you can’t get the tropics off your mind. And of course, a few strategically placed island-themed sticky notes, mock-ads, postcards, or even a bookmark from the Hinting Kit can keep the dream ‘Caribbean Sea’ clear for anyone doing their holiday shopping.

Experiences stay with us long after the holidays end, and research consistently shows we remember them more vividly and fondly than material gifts. A Caribbean vacation offers warmth, connection, and the kinds of moments that turn into cherished memories.

If you’re ready to make your holiday hinting even more fun, visit https://www.sandals.com/hintthecaribbean/ and take a step closer to the getaway you’ve been imagining. This season, you can unwrap not just a gift, but an experience that celebrates joy, connection, and the beauty of the Caribbean.

You’ve Hinted Caribbean, They’ll “Gift the Caribbean”

You’ve dropped the hints now it’s time to get the gift and Sandals is making it extra easy. Here’s the part where your holiday wish actually comes true with Sandals’ “Gift the Caribbean” sale, offering travelers up to $1,000 in savings, a $200 resort credit, one free night, and a $100 web booking bonus on select stays. Available to book December 9, 2025 through January 2, 2026, for travel through December 25, 2027, the offer is valid on bookings at 11 of Sandals’ adults-only, all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, Curaçao, and St. Lucia – including Jamaica’s newest resort, Sandals Dunn’s River, and Sandals Regency La Toc in St. Lucia, which recently debuted fresh accommodations. Turn the hint into the gift and visit www.sandals.com/sale.

Happy holidays—and happy hinting!