Almost half of Kiwis have finished Christmas shopping

Many Kiwis get Christmas shopping done early, often buy something for themselves along the way, and will spend between $200 and $500 each this silly season, according to a recent Trade Me survey.

Trade Me’s Millie Silvester said over 1,000 New Zealanders took part in the survey which sought to find out more about Kiwi shopping behaviour during the festive season.

“Most of us are pretty organised when it comes to Christmas shopping. Nearly 50 per cent of Kiwis have eluded the mad Christmas rush and have their shopping all wrapped up before December.

“Of course there are still those who leave it until the last minute - 10 per cent admitted to frantically trying to buy presents the week before the big day, and 1 per cent flirted with disaster and were waiting until Christmas Eve,” she said.

Miss Silvester said it’s an expensive time of year. “We all feel the financial pinch around this time of year. It’s no surprise given 40 per cent of us will spend $25-$50 on each gift and one-third of us are set to drop $200-$500 on our total Christmas spending.”

She said kids can expect the biggest haul on Christmas morning. “One-third of those surveyed said they spend the most on kids at Christmas time, and 30 per cent agreed they were the easiest to buy for.

“Kids are usually pretty vocal with their gift requests and aren’t afraid of pushing the boat out in terms of what they’ll ask for, so it isn’t surprising.”

Shoppers said their parents (18 per cent) and partners (18 per cent) were the the trickiest to buy for. “Finding the perfect gift for those closest to you is a pain point for Kiwis, and many of us stress about getting it right. Perhaps we know too much about these people and get ourselves into an emotional tangle.”

‘Tis the season to self-gift
Miss Silvester said it is the season to self-gift and many of us treat ourselves to a little something too.

“No wonder Kiwis find it hard shopping for their parents and partners, as over half of us admit to picking things up for ourselves when we’re Christmas shopping. Retail therapy is alive and well.”

All I (don’t) want for Christmas
Miss Silvester said socks and soap were called out as the worst presents received.

“Everyone has had that moment of regret after seeing someone’s less-than-excited response opening a gift. It sounds like the high-risk, low-imagination options of soap and socks won’t go down well, so go have a long hard look in the mirror if you’re considering buying either this year.”

“Electronics are at the top of Christmas wish list this year, along with the safe option of vouchers. While many people shy away from gift vouchers as being too easy or lacking flair, Kiwis are pretty enthusiastic about the get-what-you-want gift solution.”

Kiwis give back at Christmas time
“We’re a pretty generous bunch when it comes to giving back during the festive season and many of us recognise that while it’s a wonderful time of year, for some it’s pretty tough,” Miss Silvester said.

“It’s heartwarming to see that 53 per cent of Kiwis give their time or money to charity during the festive season.”

Online is preferred
Bricks and mortar retail was a source of hassle for gift-buyers, Miss Silvester said. “Trying to find a park, running around busy malls and having to wait in line were identified as the most stressful things about Christmas.”

Unsurprisingly, 77 per cent said doing their Christmas shopping online is convenient and 85 per cent said they did at least some of their gift-buying online.

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