Christmas is just 100 days away, but for many Brits the festive shopping season has already begun, with 25% admitting they’ve already started shopping for gifts.
As today (16th September) marks 100 Days to Christmas, a survey of 2,000 adults revealed that 50% have struggled to secure in-demand presents in the past with 30% missing out entirely.
Consequently, 38% feel anxious until they’ve snagged the item and 36% are left feeling drained thinking about what they need to purchase. However, of these early birds, 36% have already bagged the main present for an adult.
The items shoppers are most concerned about selling out include decorations (36%), the latest tech products (32%), children’s advent calendars (29%) and Christmas’ must-have toys (29%).
The study was commissioned by cashback and rewards firm Rakuten and its shopping and trends expert, Alex Stedman, said: “There are many factors that encourage FOSO a fear of selling out.”
“From missing out in the past to seeing a product becoming increasingly popular on social media – many worry that they might not be able to get hold of their perfect gift.”
“And it’s easy to see why, over the years we’ve seen many sought after items such as beauty advent calendars, and items like game consoles become gold dust and create panic.”
In addition to avoiding sell-outs, many are starting the season early to spread the cost (52%). Others are keen on snagging better deals by kicking off their shopping as early as possible (45%) or simply because they’re Christmas enthusiasts (26%).
The survey found 15% are utilising the money earned from cashback websites with 43% of these saving their cashback specifically to put towards Christmas.
Smart strategies for holiday shopping include making the most of loyalty points accumulated over the year (25%). As 40% are purchasing items as early as possible so the money earned is in their account by December.
The research, conducted via OnePoll.com, also revealed that the average Christmas budget is set to be £626 this year.
Stedman added: “By planning ahead, we’re not only securing gifts we know our loved ones will want, but also ensuring a much more stress-free festive season – something we can all aspire to.”
“Moreover, by maximising deals and cashback offers, we can stretch our spending power, adding even more festive magic to the occasion.”
TOP TIPS TO AVOID MISSING OUT ON CHRISTMAS MUST-HAVES:
- Subscribe: If an item is sold out, don’t panic. Many retailers offer alerts when it’s back in stock, and with 100 days until Christmas, you’ll likely have time to grab it.
- Capitalise: Monitor for deals. Often these happen before December so sign up to retailer sites and be ready to grab a bargain when they happen.
- Maximise: Utilise a cashback shopping platform to earn cashback on top of deals and sales, maximising your festive funds.
- Organise: If the fear of missing out is just too much, have a backup gift in mind. Often the receiver has no idea what you have planned! And they’ll be fine if it changes. This reduces stress and ensures you have options.
