Almost 30 per cent of us have already begun their holiday shopping. So what are we buying? A recent survey reveals what we're planning to buy -- and where we hope to save.
Most people say they're planning to spend the same or less this holiday season, according to a just-released Consumer Reports poll.
But most young adults, those aged 18 to 34, plan to spend more. And Consumer Reports finds even those who are cutting back aren't cutting back everywhere.
"We found that shoppers are going to be spending less on travel, entertaining and gifts for themselves. However, they're going to be spending more on charitable giving and gifts for others," the magazine's Tod Marks said.
Clothing is the most popular gift item, with 68 per cent of those polled saying they've got it on their holiday shopping list.
Electronics are also expected to be hot this year, especially video games. Thirty-nine per cent said they plan to give a game.
If you're hoping to get an e-book reader, you might be in luck. One-in-ten shoppers surveyed said they plan to give one this year.
And it turns out gift cards will be just as popular as electronics. Sixty-two per cent of respondents said they plan to give a gift card this holiday season
"Now that's substantially higher than the percentage that told us they were going to give a gift card last year. But be warned. Roughly one-in-four people who got a gift card last year have yet to spend it," Marks said.
As for pets, many of our furry friends can count on getting a little something. Twenty-six per cent of those polled say they plan to give their furry friends a gift.
Consumer Reports' survey also finds that people are more value-conscious this year: 42 per cent say that getting the best prices on gifts is critical.
Making a budget is important too, because one in 20 people say they are still paying off last year's holiday shopping.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Chris Olsen
