Mums spend almost a whole 24 hours shopping for gifts at Christmas time… and that’s just for close family!
Research by personalised photo printing company CEWE Photoworld has revealed that British mums spend over 21 hours shopping for Christmas gifts every year, dedicated 4 hours and 30 minutes to each child.
Grandparents tend to be left at the bottom of the pile, with parents spending just two hours picking their gifts, spending £37 a time. And whilst 48% of presents are bough online, over three quarters of gifts for grandpas and grandmas are bought on the high street.
When it comes to gifts for themselves, 42% of mums would prefer something sentimental, such as a bespoke product, rather than an off-the-rack gift. Over a quarter would love to give more bespoke gifts themselves, but a fifth feel that lack of time means they end up buying off the shelf.
Commenting on the research, psychologist Dr Becky Spelman says, “At a time when every high street seems to be filled with identical chain stores, gifts that are personalised and that little bit special are more popular than ever. Urban living brings with it the risk of feeling a little “lost” and anonymous. By putting thought into a special gift, the recipient is reminded of their own unique qualities – and why they are loved. This is not so much a return to olden times as a modern reinvention of the age-old idea that when we spend personal time creating a gift, it is more meaningful to both the giver and the receiver. Of course, it would be lovely if we all had time to make hand-made gifts, but the reality is that most of us are too busy battling the rat-race. Customised gifts, which show some personal thought and care, are a next-best thing in today’s modern world.”
This Christmas, CEWE Photoworld have launched the Santa Service, aiming to help busy shopper by creating bespoke photo book gifts on their behalf. Visit the website for more details.
