Christmas shoppers 'also treat themselves'

Most people admit they cannot resist buying something for themselves when they are supposed to be out Christmas shopping, British research showed today.

Around 43% of people also said when they had found the perfect present for their partner they usually bought one for themselves as well, according to Virgin Money.

The research found that self-indulgent shoppers plan to spend an average of £380 (€540) this Christmas, but around £100 (€140) of this will be on presents they plan to keep.

Just over half of consumers also plan to pay for the cost of Christmas using their credit cards.

Erica Bell, of Virgin Money, said: “Christmas is an exciting time and it’s hard to resist treating ourselves when we’re spending so much time in shops, but it seems that some of us have forgotten what Christmas is all about.

“Our research shows that the annual consumer credit boom is not entirely fuelled by Christmas shopping, but simply by the fact that people can’t help but treat themselves too.”

Seven out of 10 people admitted shopping for themselves when they are supposed to be out buying Christmas presents.

Four out of 10 people say they write a list of presents for people before they hit the shops, while 51% confess to dropping big hints about what they want in the run-up to Christmas.

Just over half said they set a budget for presents and stick to it, with Londoners the least likely to overspend at 55%.

But 14% of those questioned admitted to waiting for the January sales before they hit the shops.

Men are most likely to leave all their Christmas shopping to the last minute, with 55% of men saying they tend to do this, compared with just 32% of women.

BMRB questioned 1,000 people in the UK by telephone during November 21 and 23.