90% of Kiwis shop last-minute, with 31% spending over $1,000 this Christmas

In a tough year, 74% of Kiwis remain committed to generous gifting this Christmas, while 26% say they will be spending less than last year.

A new survey of New Zealanders’ Christmas shopping plans for 2024 reveals some surprising trends: 90% admit to leaving their gift-buying until December, 31% plan to spend more than $1,000 on presents, and 18% will be shopping for 10 or more people. Despite a challenging year, 74% say they’ll spend the same or more on gifts compared to 2023, with only 2% skipping presents altogether.

Alex Howard, Manager of Chuffed Gifts, who commissioned the survey, says the findings show an enduring commitment to Christmas traditions despite financial pressures: “Kiwis are navigating financial pressures with creativity this year, embracing thoughtful, personalised gifts like experiences, with 36% choosing experiences over material presents. This reflects a commitment to meaningful giving, even in uncertain times.” When it comes to Christmas celebrations, smaller gatherings are the norm this year, with 45% of respondents hosting between six and 10 people. And on the menu? Ham reigns supreme, chosen as the centrepiece by 44% of New Zealanders, outpacing chicken, turkey, lamb, and beef.

Despite the challenges, the spirit of togetherness and gift-giving remains central to the Christmas experience.

Key survey findings:

• Late shoppers: 90% of New Zealanders start shopping in December, indicating a last-minute rush for retailers.
• Big spenders: Almost one-third of New Zealanders (31%) plan to spend more than $1,000 on gifts this Christmas. 34% intend to spend between $400 and $1,000, and 35% will spend less than $400.
• Spending habits: 74% of respondents say they will spend the same amount or more on Christmas gifts this year, while 26% indicated they will be spending less than last year.
• Lots of gifts: The survey revealed that 18% of New Zealanders intend to buy gifts for 10 or more people this festive season, while only 2% indicated they won’t buy any gifts. Most respondents (41%) intend to purchase gifts for between one and five people.
• Material gifts vs. experiences: Material gifts still dominate Christmas shopping, with 59% indicating they love to give either material gifts or gift cards to purchase material items. However, 36% prefer giving experiences, a growing trend.
• Holiday gatherings: 45% of respondents said their gatherings would involve six to 10 people, reflecting a preference for small, intimate celebrations.
• Ham is the winner: 44% of New Zealanders said ham would be the centrepiece of their Christmas lunch or dinner, outstripping other options, chicken, turkey, lamb or beef.

The survey was conducted by Chuffed Gifts, polling 933 New Zealanders between 15 November and 22 November 2024.