Gifts of all kinds

Exchanging gifts is a big part of Christmas, not to mention Hanukkah, Eid and Kwanzaa. Some families might see some of these items in their Christmas stockings or left under the tree! $4.35 billion — The value of food and beverages purchased at large retailers in Canada in December 2013, up 11.0 per cent from average monthly sales of $3.92 billion for this category in 2013 and up 8.7 per cent from November 2013. $528.6 million — The value of televisions and audio and video equipment purchased at large retailers in Canada in December 2013, up 129.0 per cent from average monthly sales of $230.8 million for this category in 2013 and up 63.9 per cent from November 2013. $401.4 million — The value of toys, games and hobby supplies, including electronic games purchased at large retailers in Canada in December 2013, up 192.1 per cent from average monthly sales of $137.4 million for this category in 2013 and up 38.1 per cent from November 2013. $377.0 million — The value of computer hardware and software purchased at large retailers in Canada in December 2013, up 92.5 per cent from average monthly sales of $195.8 million for this category in 2013 and up 46.4 per cent from November 2013. $269.4 million — The value of small electrical appliances purchased at large retailers in Canada in December 2013, up 107.8 per cent from average monthly sales of $129.6 million for this category in 2013 and up 57.1 per cent from November 2013. $207.3 million — The value of tableware, kitchenware, cookware and bakeware purchased at large retailers in Canada in December 2013, up 81.3 per cent from average monthly sales of $114.4 million for this category in 2013 and up 56.7 per cent from November 2013. $176.9 million — The value of cosmetics and fragrances purchased at large retailers in Canada in December 2013, up 83.6 per cent from average monthly sales of $96.4 mil- lion for this category in 2013 and up 55.5 per cent from November 2013.