Forget Santa; it’s Mum who decides how full the Christmas stocking will be this year

When it comes to Christmas spending, mums are the gatekeepers to the family budget, governing exactly what is bought and for how much, outlines a recent *Family Christmas Spending report commissioned by Kids Business Communications, that also reveals how blogs, sales and catalogues will influence her spending this season.

Family Christmas Spending Report  –  Fast Facts:

• 92 per cent of mums manage the Christmas spending
• 58 per cent  of households have a Christmas budget set
•  53 per cent of households plan to spend the same as previous years
• $1400 is the average most households will spend in the lead up to and including Christmas
• This includes gifts, food, decorations, clothes, beauty, cleaning products, decorations and other home items
• 23 per cent will purchase items based on what is on sale
• 21 per cent will make decisions influenced by blogs/ online research/ online advertising
• 20 per cent will be influenced by catalogued items

Family Christmas Spending Report – Other Findings:

• 51 per cent of Families will spend $500+ on Total Gifts ($100 – $200 of this per child for 32% of households)
• 70 per cent of households will be adorned with up to $150 worth of decorations
• 73 per cent of Families will enjoy up to $300 worth of food on the table
• 85 per cent of mums would have spent up to $300 for new clothes
• 70 per cent of mums will spend up to $300 for Beauty product and services, with others spending more
• 64 per cent of homes will spend  up to $150 on cleaning products to get the house sparkling
• 70 per cent of households will invest in up to $300 worth of extras for the home, i.e. cooking equipment
• 20 per cent of mums will make purchases based on specific family/friend requests
• 89 per cent of mums are looking forward to Christmas. Those who are not are discouraged by negative financial situation and over commercialisation of the season
• 35 per cent expect to spend less this year as a result of decreased income, preference to save up for big ticket items such as holidays/renovations and a trend towards spending more on gifts throughout year
• 30 per cent of parents plan to spend over $200 on gifts per child
• The most desirable part of the festive season is the opportunity to spend quality time enjoying the family