Are you a last-minute panic buyer or a meticulously organised gift-giver? A new quiz has been launched to help Brits uncover their unique Christmas shopping personality, just as research reveals the nation's festive spending habits.
The Four Festive Shopping Personalities
Discover whether you're a Last-Minute Legend who thrives on festive pressure, or perhaps a Checklist Champ who has everything organised by October. The quiz also identifies Pre-loved Pros, who excel at finding second-hand treasures, and Crafty Creators who prefer making personalised gifts by hand.
This comes alongside new research showing the typical British Christmas shopper spends nearly £500 on presents for an average of eight loved ones. The festive shopping experience involves three separate trips to five different stores, plus over ninety minutes spent browsing online for perfect gifts.
The Shift Towards Meaningful Gift-Giving
Significantly, 65% of shoppers are actively seeking unique gifts this year rather than generic items anyone could purchase. Meanwhile, four in ten Britons are considering buying second-hand presents by searching online marketplaces, charity shops, and vintage stores.
For 63% of respondents, buying pre-owned items represents a fantastic way to save money, while 35% genuinely enjoy hunting for distinctive gifts that carry a story.
Oxfam commissioned both the research and quiz to celebrate launching its Personal Shopper Gifting service in selected stores. This initiative aims to promote a more affordable and less stressful Christmas experience.
The service will be available in Oxfam stores in Twickenham, Manchester, and Oxford on 6th and 7th December.
The Stress of Modern Christmas Shopping
Despite the joy of gift-giving, a substantial 66% of people confess to finding Christmas shopping stressful. Crowded shops (52%) and feeling rushed (30%) emerged as the biggest frustrations.
According to the OnePoll survey, 69% stated that poor customer service would make them shop elsewhere in future. When asked what would improve the high-street experience, 60% wished for shorter queues and 43% desired easier parking.
Friendly, helpful staff would greatly enhance the experience for 35% of respondents, while 15% fancied a personal shopping experience.
Lorna Fallon, Retail Director at Oxfam, commented: "We're seeing people shift away from purely transactional gift-giving and towards choices that carry a story or a sense of purpose."
"Shopping has become as much about connection as it is about convenience – and that's especially true at Christmas," she added. "Creating an experience which feels calm, considered and welcoming makes a huge difference. The festive season should be a reminder that thoughtful giving doesn't have to come with stress attached."
