The poll of 2,000 Brits* found that 12 per cent of adults are planning to splash out on their own games console during the festive season, whilst 15 per cent are going to treat themselves to some new clothes to boost their mood. Others are going to buy themselves make-up (10 per cent), a laptop (12 per cent) and a mobile phone (14 per cent). Overall, 22 per cent would rather buy something for themselves than ask others to buy it as a gift.
Almost a third of respondents feel that Christmas is more important to them than ever this year, so will be putting more thought into the presents they buy, with a fifth looking to spend more time choosing personal gifts. A further 30 per cent of those asked are feeling more ‘emotional’ about the festive season – with just under 6 weeks to go until Christmas, shoppers are looking forward to spending time with their family and friends again. People are also planning to put their decorations up earlier than normal and will buy more ‘lavish’ food in order to make Christmas 2020 extra special.
Following a stressful 2020, 14 per cent plan to buy more wellbeing gifts this year. The most popular gifts on people’s shopping lists included perfume or aftershave, candles and skincare, with festive favourites chocolates, alcohol and books topping the list.
The research also found that the average adult also plans to buy Christmas presents for eight people. 61 per cent will be buying a present for their partner, 51 per cent for their children, 49 per cent for their mums and 38 per cent for their dads, however unfortunate uncles, colleagues and even grandparents look likely to go without this year. It also emerged that despite the financial worries, the amount of money people plan to spend has only decreased by £11 – with an average of £347 being forked out this year, compared to £358 in 2019.
More than half of those polled have already started their shopping and 26 per cent started earlier than they usually would. An organised 16 per cent hope to finish their gift buying as early as four weeks before the big day – November 27th – while 21 per cent realistically plan to complete it with just one week to spare – December 18th.
*2000 UK adults aged 18+ were surveyed by OnePoll, October 2020
