Gift vouchers were most popular over a lean Christmas, says European survey

(katebibisheva)

One third of European shoppers spent less this holiday season, according to data released January 29 by market research firm InSites Consulting.

Despite this, we each spent an average of around €350 in total on presents. Whilst a third of respondents on average were spending less, this figure rose to half in France - suggesting that "la crise" is still weighing on shoppers' wallets.

An average 80 percent of us bought presents for at least one person, says Insites, although that figure dropped as low as 50 percent in the Netherlands. The majority of purchases are for family, it seems, as only 20 of the respondents in most countries bought for friends. In the UK, 1 in 2 people bought presents for friends.

Books were the most popular gift to give this year, but vouchers were what consumers wanted to receive. According to the survey figures, vouchers were universally popular across genders and age ranges. Insites Consulting believes that traditional presents are growing less popular, shunned by gift-givers in favour of "experiences" - whether in the form or a gift voucher or "day out" such as a spa day.

"It?s clear that we live in a so-called „experience economy, says Insites' Tom De Ruyck. "These days, traditional presents become less popular and gift vouchers which can be turned-in to really "do" something are more popular than ever before. This trend also reflects in people's wishes for this New Year. They are longing for more time to relax."

The contraction in available funds also seems to have affected our generosity as 61 percent of us were not planning on giving to a good cause this holiday season. In France, this figure was the highest 80 percent of people were not planning any charitable donations. Romanians were the least Scrooge-like - 63 percent said they would give to a good cause over the holidays.

Insites surveyed over 1000 people from countries across Europe between mid-December and mid-January.

http://www.insites.eu

I'll Tell You What I Want...
The top gifts requested this year

1. A gift voucher 39%
2. Books 36%
3. Holidays (including short trips, weekends, package deals or travel tokens, etc.) 31%
4. Clothing and accessories (including lingerie, shoes, handbags, etc.) 27%
5. Pocket money (cash or deposited on an account) 26%
6. Wellness deal (sauna, beauty salon, etc.) 26%

Data from Insites Consulting