The perfect gift this Christmas is local

With only weeks until the big day, new research shows that Brits are planning to spend £751- £1000 on Christmas this year, with 73% worrying about finding the perfect gift and over 98% saying they’re keen to support local

Despite cost-of-living concerns, over 45% of Brits will be spending the same this Christmas, with 33% spending more, according to new research from BID as part of the St Ives Gift Card initiative. 

28% of people say they’ll be shelling out £751-£1000 this Christmas, with the need to purchase gifts for friends and family given as the reason for Christmas spend staying the same or increasing.

But finding the perfect gift isn’t always easy with a huge 73% worrying about finding the perfect gift and over 89% planning to buy at least one gift card this Christmas. 

Support for local is higher than ever with 98% keen to support local this Christmas and 87% saying supporting local businesses helps to keep them open.

The research was undertaken by local gift card giants Town & City Gift Cards. The St Ives Gift Card was introduced in May 2023 as a means to drive local spend and encourage local shopping. Cards can be spent with over 65 businesses locally, including shops, restaurants, attractions and more.

Sarah Hooper from BID said: “It’s fantastic to see that support for local is so high this Christmas, and what’s even better is that we have an easy way to do that with the St Ives Gift Card. 

“Over 89% of people would rather receive a multi-store gift card this Christmas with 74% saying they offer more choice. When it comes to choice, our local gift card beats the competition because it has all types and sizes of local businesses in one card. If you haven’t checked it out yet, do so, because it works for every age and interest. The perfect gift this Christmas is local.”