Areas of UK where Christmas shoppers expect to spend most and least revealed

Christmas shoppers expect to spend around £32 on average more this year on gifts than they did in 2024, a survey indicates.

The average festive shopper expects to spend £377.98 in the weeks ahead, which is around £32.63 or 9% more than the £345.35 they typically spent last year, according to website MyVoucherCodes.

People in Northern Ireland expect to spend the most typically at £452.38, the survey indicated.

Those in the south west of England are anticipating spending the least typically, at £324.37, with people in Scotland expecting to splash out £443.64 and those in Wales spending £366.11 on average.

The research was released ahead of the Black Friday (November 28) shopping bonanza, with many retailers already having started sales.

When asked what they would cut back on to save money this festive season, 36% of people said they would go out less, 34% plan to buy fewer clothes, and 27% will skip a Christmas getaway this year.

Two-fifths (39%) will rely on online shopping for last-minute Christmas gifts, rising to 61% of people aged 18 to 24.

Sarah-Jane Outten, a money saving expert at MyVoucherCodes, said: “With prices up on last year, every saving counts. Using discount codes, shopping early, and being clever with spending can make a big difference without cutting back on the festive cheer.”

She suggested setting a “realistic” budget, teaming up with friends or family members to buy a gift and checking cupboards before heading to the supermarket as ways to keep Christmas spending down.

People could also take some time to research current and previous prices of gifts they want to buy before they hit the shops, to help them weigh up whether a “special offer” is really a bargain.

Some 2,000 people across the UK were surveyed by OnePoll in November for MyVoucherCodes.