How Much Should You Spend on Your Partner’s Christmas Gift?

Christmas is right around the corner and it is time to discuss the number one priority for any holiday. And that is gift giving! And while some of you are very organized people and you might have your gift game locked and loaded, there are definitely a few of us who have nothing planned out yet. If you are stuck trying to figure out how much you should spend on your partner this year, here is a survey for the average Christmas spending and what you should consider.

When Did People Start Handing Out Christmas Gifts?

The tradition of giving Christmas presents has ancient roots and has evolved. It can be traced back to various cultures and historical practices, such as:

Ancient Rome

The Romans celebrated a festival called Saturnalia, which took place in late December. During this festival, it was customary to exchange small gifts as a symbol of good luck.

Christian Traditions

The Christian celebration of Christmas has its origins in the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ. The biblical story mentions the Three Wise Men or Magi bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the newborn Jesus. This establishes a connection between gift-giving and Christmas.

Medieval Europe

In medieval Europe, there was a tradition called “Boxing Day.” Alms boxes were placed in churches to collect money for the poor. After Christmas, the boxes were opened, and the contents were distributed among those in need.

Reformation Period

During the Reformation, particularly in Protestant regions, there was a shift in focus away from saints’ feast days to a stronger emphasis on the celebration of Christmas. This contributed to the development of the modern Christmas holiday and its associated customs, including gift-giving.

19th Century

The 19th century saw the popularization of the Christmas tree and the exchange of gifts in many Western cultures. Influential works, such as Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol,” helped solidify the idea of Christmas as a time for generosity and gift-giving.

Average Christmas Spending Survey

In a survey conducted by CouponBirds with 2,000 adults, it was found that despite the belief that the thought behind a gift matters more than its price, adults are still generously spending on their partners for Christmas. The average expenditure is £144.37, with men outpacing the average by spending around £178.81 on their significant others.

What Are the Statistics Claiming?

In the survey, it was observed that women tend to spend slightly less on their partners. They had an average of £125.77. The spending patterns also vary with age. Younger individuals (18–24 years old) average £105.22, whereas the 35–44 age group spends more significantly, averaging £165.71. Furthermore, only two percent of the respondents mentioned that they would spend over £400 on their loved ones.

Despite the willingness to spend generously to create a magical Christmas for their partners, it appears that one may not need to break the bank. The survey indicates that shoppers expect their significant others to spend approximately £10 less than they themselves are willing to splash out, with an average expectation of £137.66.

What Are the Most Popular Christmas Gifts?

Some gifts tend to remain popular across different occasions and demographics. Items like smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, headphones, and other tech gadgets are consistently sought after. Fashion items such as clothing, shoes, handbags, and jewelry are perennial favorites. Personalized or trendy items are also well-received. A good book tailored to the recipient’s interests or a bestseller can make for a thoughtful and enjoyable gift.

Moreover, gifts that provide experiences, such as concert tickets, spa days, or travel vouchers, are becoming increasingly popular for those who value memories over material possessions. Subscriptions to streaming services, magazines, book clubs, or meal kit deliveries can offer a unique and ongoing gift experience. However, the number one gift idea remains personalized gifts. Customized items, such as monogrammed accessories, engraved jewelry, or personalized photo albums, add a special touch to the gift-giving experience. These handcrafted items or do-it-yourself gifts often carry a personal touch and are appreciated for the effort put into creating them.

Gift cards Are Also Popular

While it might seem impersonal to some, gift cards allow recipients to choose exactly what they want, making them a popular and flexible gift option. One of the primary advantages of gift cards is that they empower recipients to choose exactly what they want or need. Unlike traditional gifts that might not align with personal preferences, a gift card allows individuals to select items that match their tastes and desires.

So, how much on average will you be spending on Christmas gifts this year?

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