Cash strapped families are refusing to compromise on Christmas - and are vowing to put their children first.
Christmas on Female First
Despite the recession parents are pulling out all the stops to ensure their little ones enjoy a bumper Christmas.
According to a new survey by money saving shopping site NetVoucherCodes.co.uk parents plan to buy an average of 18 presents for each child this year.
The survey found that families were planning to spend an average total of £879 to cover all the costs of Christmas including food and drink.
Gifts accounted for £397 of the total with the remainder being spent on food, drinks, decorations and other costs.
But almost two thirds of those polled said they would look to make cut backs in other areas before they reduced their spending on children’s presents.
A massive 64 per cent stated that gifts for children were the main priority when it comes to budgeting for Christmas.
Only seven per cent of those polled said they would put their wife or husband ahead of their children when it came to buying gifts.
Steve Barnes of NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said that the survey highlighted that people were being cautious about their Christmas shopping but were determined to make it memorable for their children.
He said: “Above all shoppers are looking for great deals and value for money this Christmas. Things are tight for many of us but parents are refusing to let that spoil Christmas for their little ones.
“Parents are becoming more and more skilled at saving money off their shopping by combining voucher codes and sale deals to make sure their money goes as far as possible.”
Christmas dinner and other food goodies were judged to be the priority by 12 per cent of parents while 10 per cent stated that booze would be top of their shopping list.
Gifts for extended family members and friends were only stated as priority purchases by four per cent of those polled with decorations and other items stated as priority by three per cent.
On average people buy presents for 12 people including family, friends and work colleagues.
Overall people will spend an average of £197.51 on food and drink, £34.63 on decorations and accessories and £24.56 on Christmas cards and postage.
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