The poll also revealed the most common treats people buy for themselves – with chocolate, flowers and books among the top items.
One in five Brits will fork out more than £1,000 annually on ‘little treats’ according to a recent poll. The study discovered that a fifth of adults splash out over £20 on a weekly basis, on small indulgences costing under £10 – totalling at least £1,040 a year.
Popular treats included chocolate bars, fresh flowers, and stationery items. Some purchased more than five small treats each week. Nearly half do so to lift their spirits while 41 percent savour life’s little luxuries. Commissioned by online wholesale marketplace Faire, the research revealed over half buy treats for themselves more frequently than they do for others.
Spokesperson Charlotte Broadbent said: “Independent retailers are doing all they can to capture shopper’s attention as they impulsively snap up treats under £10. Little treats can provide a spring in the step for those navigating a particularly busy week.
“Whether you spend big or go for a smaller splurge, the impact can completely turn your day, and your mood, around and Britain’s independents are doing all they can to put a smile on people’s faces, stocking more little treats.”
The study also revealed that when treating someone else, those polled are most likely to do so for their partner or spouse, followed by their children. Remarkably, people are more inclined to buy treats for their pets than for their parents.
Friday and Saturday are the most popular days for dopamine purchases, compared to a mere five percent who use a treat to combat the Monday blues.
Although half of the adults surveyed confessed that their purchases are often impulsive, they often felt no regret as only three percent felt any guilt.
For nearly a third of those surveyed, via OnePoll, the idea of buying a small luxury crosses their mind several times a week – and for one in 20, it’s something they think about multiple times a day.
Charlotte Broadbent, spokesperson for Faire, commented: “We’ve seen a real shift in how independent retailers are curating their shelves – there’s growing demand for affordable pick-me-ups that offer instant joy.
“These small indulgences might cost under £10, but they’re driving meaningful sales and helping shops connect emotionally with customers.
“For local retailers, it’s not just about what’s on offer, it’s about how it makes people feel – and that’s where independents really shine.”
TOP 20 MOST COMMONLY BOUGHT TREATS:
- A chocolate bar or sweet treat
- A takeaway meal
- Fresh flowers
- Snacks for the car or commute
- A small gift for someone else
- A magazine or book
- Face creams
- A candle or home fragrance
- A skincare or beauty item
- A collectable (stamp, car, Pokémon cards etc)
- An ornament
- Stationary
- A scratchcard or lottery ticket
- Cheap fragrances
- A trinket
- Sticker books
- Planners
- A small homeware item (e.g. towel, mug, cushion)
- Socks or underwear
- A new nail polish or haircare item
