A Christmas closer to home and buying online are on the cards this year

We’re not going overseas, but still planning to head away this year says the 2021 Holiday Research study released today by PayPal Australia. We’re also looking to spend less on gifts but focus on the experience and entertaining with more of us shopping online for gifts.

As we head into Christmas with relaxed restrictions, only 5% of Aussies say they’re planning an overseas trip this holiday season according to the PayPal research, with only 18% planning to head interstate. Still, less than half (45%) of Aussies said they’ll be staying home, so a few jaunts around the state appear to be in order.

As for shopping, it seems lock downs have been a big shot in the arm for online shopping, with 44% of Aussies planning to shop online, an 18% jump from this time last year.

Plans for spending pn Christmas are up, though with a focus on travel, food and entertaining, with plans for spending on Christmas gifts taking a hit this year, with people expecting to shell out around $490 on Christmas gifts, down from $558 at the same time last year.

That said, apparently plans seem to be on spending more but on travel, food and entertaining. A third of us are apparently not against nabbing ourselves a bargain if we see something we want on-sale ;).

If you’re stuck on a gift for someone this year, topping the wish lists for Aussies are Gift vouchers (45%), Experiences (31%), Clothing (30%), Cold hard cash (29%) and Food or Alcohol Hampers (28%) – but lay off the ties and scarves with 62% of people saying these are on their least wanted lists. 

PayPal Australia Consumer Shopping Expert, Jess Rix said, 

“Last Christmas, we couldn’t have big family get-togethers or travel interstate to see our relatives – all we could do was send gifts to each other. So, it makes sense that this year Australians are planning to pull back a little on gifts while spending up on food, domestic travel, hosting Christmas parties and splurging on tickets and entertainment.”