Shopping

A fifth of Brits have apparently already started doing their Christmas shopping

It's all according to an interesting new consumer survey.

Emily Sergeant - 17th October 2024

A new survey has revealed that a fifth of Brits have apparently already started doing their Christmas shopping this year.

As much as many of us find ourselves running around the shops like headless chickens on Christmas Eve in a bid to buy all those last-minute gifts we forgot, on the flip side of that, we all know a few organised people who like to get their presents bought and wrapped well in advance so they can enjoy a relatively stress-free festive season.

But is October just a bit too early to start? Apparently not for 21% of Brits

According to a new survey by American Express, a surprising number adults who celebrate or shop for Christmas in the UK have already started buying things for the festive period.

A fifth of Brits have apparently already started doing their Christmas shopping / Credit: Heidi Fin (via Unsplash)

The survey found that, when it comes to present inspiration, nearly half (47%) of Christmas shoppers will be getting gifting ideas from their loved ones themselves, while more than half (56%) of the Gen Z age group surveyed claiming they’ll be looking to social media ads, and influencers and content creators, for suggestions.

There’s also varying responses when it comes to the type of presents people are planning to hand out this Christmas – with 87% of respondents saying will buy physical gifts, but 37% choosing to purchase experiences instead.

And it’s not just presents for others on the agenda either, as the research showed that almost a quarter (23%) are planning to get gifts for themselves too.

It’s all according to an interesting new consumer survey / Credit: Lore Schodts (via Unsplash)

Of course though, while many people have already got a head-start on Christmas shopping this year, it seems there’s a good chunk who’ll still be leaving it late.

Four in 10 survey respondents admitted they will probably only finish their festive gift shopping with just one week to go before the big day, while one in 10 (10%) did reveal they will likely risk leaving it until the day before they give them out.

“As we approach the festive period, it’s no surprise to see Brits getting prepared,” explained Dave Edwards, who is the Vice President of Demand Generation at American Express, “with more than 20% of respondents having already started their festive shopping.”

Featured Image – Freestocks (via Unsplash)