Three-quarters of the nation claim they will spend the same or more on Christmas presents this year
- Each adult believes they will spend £407 on gifts
- A fifth say they are staggering the costs (20 per cent)
- One in ten believe they will finish their shopping on Christmas Eve (10 per cent)
Shoppers are not letting the economic downturn affect their Christmas cheer as nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) claim they will spend the same or more on gifts as they did last year.
Research by Direct Line Home Insurance* reveals that nearly a fifth of UK adults (16 per cent) believe they will spend more on Christmas presents this year, whilst over half (58 per cent) are hoping to stick to spending the same amount.
This may mean the tradition of giving gifts will remain as strong as ever but many claim they are shopping ‘smarter’ in order to bag a bargain. Whilst a fifth (20 per cent) claim they buy their Christmas presents early to spread the cost, over one in ten (10 per cent) are aiming to do the complete opposite and plan to finish the bulk of their Christmas shopping on Christmas Eve.
Typically, each adult says they will buy gifts for ten members of their family and close friends, totalling an average of £407. The research shows that women will typically buy for more people (average 12) than men (average eight).
Andrew Lowe, Head of Direct Line Home Insurance, comments:
“As ever, the nation is fully embracing this year’s Christmas festivities. However, for many buying gifts, it means shopping much smarter to get the most for their money. Our research shows many are keeping an eye out for offers and discounts so they get the best deals on presents they are planning to buy – whether this means starting shopping earlier or leaving it until the last minute hoping for reductions.”
Other findings from the research:
- Three-quarters (75 per cent) claim they will have their shopping out of the way a week or more before Christmas
- Women (82 per cent) are more organised than men (66 per cent) and plan to complete their shopping a week or more before Christmas
- One in ten women (10 per cent) say they shop for gifts all year round (compared to six per cent of men)
- Over a quarter (27 per cent) claim they buy presents all year round when they see something they like for someone
The research also looked at the places people store their gifts. Over half keep their gifts hidden away in a wardrobe or cupboard (51 per cent), whilst others keep them tucked away under the bed (eight per cent), under the tree (13 per cent) or in the loft (seven per cent).
Lowe continues:
“The research shows the average gift is worth around £40, so come Christmas Day many householders will find the value of their possessions has increased. The New Year is a good time for householders to re-assess the value of the contents within their home to ensure that they have adequate insurance cover for unforeseen events such as burglary, fire or storms.”
From 1st December to 15th January, Direct Line increases its home contents insurance by £5,000 or 10% of the sum insured (whichever is greater) to cover Christmas gifts stored in the home.
Visit www.directline.com for further information.
For further information please contact:
Abi Clark
Direct Line Press Office
Tel: 0208 285 3276
Mob: 07974 161650
Email: abi.clark@rbs.co.uk
Notes to editors
* Research conducted online on behalf of Direct Line by Opinium Research between 26th and 29th September 2008 amongst 2,142 respondents, representative of the UK adult population.
www.opinium.co.uk
Direct Line
Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.
Direct Line is part of RBS Insurance, the second largest general insurer in the UK and is wholly owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland Group. Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0845 246 3564 or visiting www.directline.com.
Direct Line Insurance plc is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Registered office: 3 Edridge Road, Croydon, Surrey CR9 1AG. Registered in England and Wales no. 01810801. The Financial Services Authority's Register can be accessed through http://www.fsa.gov.uk/register
|
