A new survey commissioned by buy now pay later provider Clearpay has revealed how much couples spend on Christmas presents and how budgets change as relationships progress.
According to the research, couples who have been together for 11 to 15 years typically spend the most on their partner, with an average of £243 on festive gifts. This compares with an overall average of £193 across all couples.
Spending drops in longer relationships
The average amount spent falls among couples who have been together for longer. Those in relationships lasting 16 to 20 years spend £189 on average, while couples together for more than 20 years spend £180 on each other.
The survey also found that around two thirds (67 per cent) of people feel it is awkward deciding how much to spend before a relationship becomes more formal. Once a relationship moves into the official stage, the average spend on Christmas gifts rises by £54, from £117 to £171.
Gift budgets and research habits
Nearly half (49 per cent) of people find it hard to come up with good gift ideas for their partner. Clothing, shoes and trainers top the list of gift ideas, with men typically expecting to spend more than women.
Male gift givers planned to spend £215 on average on their partner, compared with £171 for women. However, women reportedly spend a total of 35 hours on average researching and choosing gifts, compared with 19 hours for men.
Rich Bayer, chief executive at Clearpay, said: "Setting a budget you're comfortable with, talking openly about expectations and planning ahead can take the pressure off, leaving you free to find something truly meaningful."
