Grandparents fuel costs of happy family Christmas
GRANDPARENTS are set to shower younger family members with more gifts than ever this Christmas, spending an incredible £81 on each of their grandchildren.
That is £13 more than last year and £39 more than two years ago. Grandparents plan to spend more on Christmas gifts for their grandchildren than on the rest of the family combined, according to research from SunLife.
For those wanting ideas, the insurer’s Christmas gift list for grandchildren shows Harry Potter, Star Wars LEGO sets, Peppa Pig toys, Baby Annabell Dolls,
Hot Wheels, Nerf Guns and Play-Doh topping children’s wishlists, along with sweets and chocolates.
SunLife marketing director Ian Atkinson said: “One in six grandparents say they don’t care how much it costs, as long as they get their grandkids the right present.”
As the annual Christmas spree gathers pace, separate research from Lloyds Bank suggests the average shopper will spend £362 on presents, but that rises to nearly £400 for those aged 55 and over.
Only those aged between 45 and 54 expect to spend more at around £423, many of them parents looking to keep children happy.
Lloyds director Catherine Kehoe said nearly half of us expect to blow our Christmas present budget, but planning ahead can help: “Start early to avoid panic buying last minute impulse items, which could be expensive.”
Shop around to get bargains and stop spending if you feel your finances are being squeezed. “Speak to loved ones if you are worried about the cost,” Kehoe said.