Irish spend average of €573 on Christmas presents

Irish people spend an average of €573 on Christmas presents, according to a survey published today by a company that sells adventure activities online.

The firm behind the Great Days Out website said respondents from Kerry were the biggest spenders (€750), while those in Laois spent the least (€407).

It also said female respondents spent around €80 more on presents than their male counterparts.

The main unwanted gifts for men were identified as socks, deodorant, soap and cartoon ties, while women said their least favourite gifts were oven gloves, tea towels, tasteless underwear and gym membership.

Great Days Out also claimed two-thirds of respondents said they would prefer an experience like sky-diving or rally driving instead of the traditional wrapped present.