Brits splurge on festive purchasing sprees, snagging presents for others and treats for themselves

A survey of 2,000 over-25s who partake in the holiday season festivities revealed that they typically embark on four shopping trips annually, excluding any online purchases. On each outing, Brits are likely to splash out £164.50 on nine presents – seven for others and two self-indulgences.

The study, commissioned by experiential spirits store, The Bar At Home, discovered that men usually kick off their Christmas shopping in December, while a vast majority of women get a head start in November or even earlier.

A quarter of respondents confessed they aim to begin earlier each year but often fall short. Interestingly, 29% of men and 21% of women admitted to snagging some gifts on Christmas Eve.

Peter Singh, spokesperson for The Bar At Home, commented: “Christmas shopping is no walk in the park. Every year it seems to creep up on us sooner than expected and we’re all familiar with the stress of buying last minute gifts”.

When it comes to gift selection, two-thirds consider themselves thoughtful gift givers, while one-fifth confess to being indecisive. However, 42% still say their shopping excursions are successful despite finding it difficult to shop for others.

In addition, nearly half (49%) stated that physically going into a shop rather than shopping online contributes to the festive experience. A quarter agreed that going into a store offers a better chance of finding more unique gifts as you might stumble upon something unexpected.

When it comes to choosing a shopping companion, nearly half of Brits prefer to fly solo – but if they do invite someone, it’s usually their significant other. However, the survey revealed that 22% have had to sweeten the deal for their partner to join them.

Part of sweetening the deal might be through buying them a gift or treating them to lunch. Interestingly, over a third are likely to include food and drink pit stops as they view Christmas shopping as an all-day event.

Peter Singh chimed in: “We know going to the shops can feel like a big commitment, from the commute to queues and other shoppers, but it becomes part of the festive experience.”

“Plan ahead and make it into a daytrip, throw in lunch and a drinks break and perhaps an activity like the cinema at the end of the day to reward yourself.”