Brits typically shell out over £230 on Christmas presents – but are planning to cut back on gift expenditure this year to save cash as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.
Over half, of 2,000 adults polled, have made “no present” pacts with loved ones this year – and are hoping to save around £68 on festive spending as a result.
Other cutbacks they are planning to make include buying less or cheaper food, and buying fewer or cheaper new decorations.
In fact, almost six in ten (59%) are trying to scale back their festive spending in general – with 72% of these feeling the cost-of-living has tightened their purse strings.
And 45% feel that a lot of money is wasted on gifts people don’t want or end up using anyway.
A spokesman for Equifax, which conducted the research, said: “Christmas is the most magical, and cost-intensive, time of the year for many.
“While it is great to let off some steam at the end of the year and splash the cash on things we really enjoy, it’s great to see people thinking about their spending, and how to treat their financial resources responsibly.”
The study revealed adults will spend an average of £68 on the perfect gift for their partner, while £88 is spent to ensure their kids are delighted when they rip open the wrapping paper.
Friends get a smaller budget allocation, with £39 ring-fenced for their festive gifts – and £37 is earmarked for colleagues and Secret Santa obligations.
Respondents also intend to spend an average of £43 on lights and decorations this Christmas, and £49 on travel.
And £72 will also be spent on food over the festive period – although 34% are planning to buy more affordable ingredients for their 2022 Christmas dinner than in previous years.
More than half (51%) are anxious to overspend, however, just in case the economy tanks in 2023.
Buying fewer gifts is the top strategy for cutting costs this Christmas, followed by finding cheaper gifts, and having a second-hand or homemade gift exchange.
As for managing the Yuletide coffers, one in four (24%) have a specific fund set up for Christmas expenses – although 51% let their current account take the hit.
A concerning 25% will lean on their credit card to cover the cost, with 26% taking out credit in the past to foot the festive bill.
And 45% feel pressure to spend more money than they responsibly should at this time of year.
The study, conducted by OnePoll, also surveyed parents in a bid to uncover how their children feel about cutbacks at Christmas.
Of the mums and dads who took part in the research, more than half (52%) have discussed, or are planning to discuss, reining in the festive spending this year.
And 85% of the children have responded with understanding about the situation.
The spokesman for Equifax added: “Our latest study has enlightened us to the responsible spending taking place across the country.
“It’s great to read that 54% of respondents go to the effort of checking their credit score ahead of the Christmas cash-crunch, and that efforts are being made wherever possible to spend wisely – without dampening the magic of the season.”
TOP 10 CHRISTMAS CUTBACKS:
- Buying fewer gifts
- Buying cheaper gifts
- Having a second-hand Christmas
- Having a hand-made Christmas
- Buying less food
- Buying cheaper food
- Buying fewer decorations
- Buying cheaper decorations
- Travelling less
- Travelling more economically (e.g. via coach or pre-booked train tickets)
