Online digital coupon company RetailMeNot.ca has released a new survey regarding the Christmas shopping habits of some Canadians and it reveals that eight out of 10 respondents are "selfish Santas."
The survey found that survey participants are planning to spend an average of more than $200 on themselves this holiday season, which represents 36 per cent of the average of what they are planning to spend on others.
In a recent press release, the company noted that of those surveyed, 81 per cent said they see nothing wrong with picking up an item or two for themselves while buying gifts for others.
The survey also showed that nearly half of respondents surveyed (47 per cent) believe Boxing Day and Boxing Week offer the greatest deals, and they plan to take advantage of those shopping occasions this year. However, with sales stretching out longer and longer over many days, 63 per cent surveyed said they feel less urgency to rush to join the Boxing Day lines this year. Nearly half of those surveyed (49 per cent) will be looking to buy the gifts they wished they received during the holidays on Boxing Day and Boxing Week. The survey also revealed that many Canadians will be scurrying through the malls and shopping late, with more than half of survey respondents (56 per cent) admitting to having purchased a gift for someone on Christmas Eve.
Forty-four per cent will be avoiding last-minute holiday shopping, which isn't surprising since 40 per cent find last-minute shopping stressful. Continuing the holiday celebrations, other findings about those surveyed include:
No thanks, New Year's Eve: Half plan to stay in this New Year's Eve due to high costs of celebrating.
Bah humbug to bars: 72 per cent believe bars and clubs use New Year's Eve as a money grab.
Holiday hangover: More than one quarter (28 per cent) said they do not have enough money left over from the holiday season to celebrate New Year's Eve the way they want.
High-priced holidays: one in five surveyed said they will spend more than $1,000 this holiday season.
To lend a helping hand this holiday season, RetailMeNot.ca teamed up with Angela Self and Katie Dunsworth of Smart Cookies to offer savvy spending tips and tricks. Here are a few of their insider ideas for holiday shopping and savings:
If you're a last-minute gifter, go personal: For the last-minute shoppers out there, put together a gift package with a friend or family member's favourite magazine, treats and beauty products. It can be a simple yet thoughtful way to give a gift without having to plan in advance.
For those who are hard to shop for, go for the experience: You can also give the gift of an experience that keeps on giving. Is there a training course or class you know someone on your list has always talked about taking? Don't forget about gift cards to their favourite retailer for a shopping spree.
Avoid the crowds to keep stress low: Many of your favourite retailers have extended shopping hours in the weeks leading up to the holiday season. Take advantage and beat the crowds by shopping early. For instance, take an extra half hour in the morning and hit up the mall with a plan.
Get a smart deal with your smartphone: Put your shopping list in your smartphone so it's at your fingertips. This will allow you to maximize your shopping time while on the go. If you are waiting in a long store lineup, do a quick search to look for online coupons or extra discounts.
Selfish Santas, make your spending work for you: Treat yourself without blowing your holiday budget. If you're using a credit or charge card to buy your holiday gifts, use the points you accumulate with your holiday spending to treat yourself without the guilt. Additionally, look for buy-one-get-one offers to get two items for the price of one.
