More than one in five Australians (22 per cent) will spend more on gifts for partners or children this year, while 36 per cent will spend less on gifts for extended family or friends, according to the MasterCard Worldwide Annual Christmas gift survey.
Andrew Cartwright, country manager Australia at MasterCard Worldwide said that after a tough 2009 it wasn’t surprising Australians have decided to save their Christmas treats for their nearest and dearest.
“This year’s economic downturn has clearly put some pressure on Christmas spending,” said Cartwright.
The average Australian expects to spend just over $1,000 on travel, food and gifts related to Christmas this year. That’s down $19 compared to 2008. Over half of those surveyed (56 per cent) said they will spend the same amount as last year while 29 per cent will cut their 2009 Christmas budget.
While 73 per cent of Australians intend to buy something over the internet, which is up seven per cent from last year, 74 per cent of men admit to rushing out on Christmas Eve for a last minute gift compared to 67 per cent of women. Additionally, seven out of 10 Australians will buy themselves something special while Christmas shopping for others.
New South Wales and ACT residents will be 2009’s biggest Christmas spenders, with 66 per cent spending more than $500. They were closely followed by Western Australians (65 per cent), Victorians (60 per cent), New Zealanders (58 per cent), Queenslanders (57 per cent), Tasmanians (56 per cent) and South Australians (54 per cent).