Brits set to spend over £22 billion on Christmas cheer

With just over 30 shopping days until Christmas and only one more payday for most, new research from MoneySupermarket predicts festive expenditure is set to top £22 billion with Brits splashing out an average of £445 per person this year.  This is up 1.8 per cent on last year's figure of £437 per person, representing an extra £1 billion in overall spend.

The survey questioned over 2,000 British adults and found spend will be highest amongst 35-54 year olds at £491 per person. The total falls to £423 for those aged 55 and over and £415 for those aged 18 to 34.

Those in the North East are set to spend the most with an average of £595 per person, followed by those in Wales at £531. Shoppers in the East Midlands are expecting to spend the least averaging at £355 each.

However, one in five, (19 per cent) expect funding Christmas to get them further into debt this year, rising to one in four (25 per cent) for those age 18 - 34 vs. 21 per cent of 35 - 54 year olds and 12 per cent of over 55s. Of those surveyed, only 15 per cent of Brits are expecting their December salary to cover Christmas spend.

Amongst those planning to spend money this Christmas, 73 per cent expect to spend most of their Christmas budget on presents, with mums and dads planning to part with £132 per child on gifts alone.

Of the parents surveyed, 67 per cent are very cautious about what they're spending due to the current financial climate and almost half (47 per cent) agreed they feel under pressure to spend more than they can afford on their children. However, a third (34 per cent) said they are prepared to spend whatever it takes to give their children a happy Christmas.

The survey also asked parents how they planned to budget for their children's gifts this Christmas. One in four (24 per cent) said they will set a budget and not exceed it.  Just over a third  (35 per cent) plan to set a budget but may go over it, while 27 per cent indicated they will not be setting a budget but don't feel their spending ever gets out of hand. When asked the maximum amount parents would ever consider spending on an individual present for their child, £131 came out as the purchase tipping point.

Keen not to leave out everyone's favourite family member, 32 per cent of Brits are planning to purchase a present for their pet this Christmas, spending on average £7.85 on extra treats for Fido or Felix.

Finally spare a thought for women this festive season. The big Christmas shop is still predominantly the preserve of women and mums, with just 13 per cent of men saying they are their household's principal Christmas shopper.

Clare Francis, financial expert at MoneySupermarket said: "Christmas shopping is a significant area of expenditure for parents in particular. And with only one pay day left for most people until Christmas, it is important to take steps now to manage your finances in the run up to the big day - and beyond.

"A recent survey of MoneySupermarket visitors found, only 37 per cent will fund Christmas using disposable income this year with an encouraging 34 per cent planning to use their savings. Using a credit or store card was the next most popular option for one in ten.

"A credit card offering interest free purchases could be a good option for those looking for flexibility and an efficient way to spread the cost of Christmas. Leading products such as the Tesco Clubcard Credit Card offer up to 16 months of interest free on purchases. However, anyone taking up this option must ensure they are able to pay off the debt into the New Year.

"A cashback card such as the Barclaycard Cashback Credit Card or the American Express Platinum Cashback Card may also be good options for those looking to be rewarded for their Christmas spend.

"Finally, using vouchers and searching online for the best deals on gifts and other items will also help your money go further."

Regional spend:

Region - Spend
North East £595
Wales £531
Northern Ireland £525
North West £490
Scotland £465
Yorks & Humber £453
London £438
West Midlands £437
South East £414
South West £406
East of England £392
East Midlands £355
Average £445