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IRISH CONSUMERS WILL retain their title of Europe’s biggest spenders this Christmas according to a new survey by Deloitte.
The survey predicts that the average spend per household in Ireland this festive season will be €965.80 with an average €499.60 spend on gifts.
There’ll be no expense spared on turkeys and sherry this year with households spending an average €288.30 on food and drink and a further €177.90 on socialising.
Although Irish spending figures are still considerably higher than the European average of almost €600, consumers indicated they would be spending 7.44 per cent less this year overall.
To keep within their Christmas budget this year, 44 per cent of Irish consumers said they will buy more products and gifts that are on sale and 29 per cent said they will shop more at less expensive stores.
Despite keeping a close watch on our budgets, we remain a generous bunch at Christmas with just 16 per cent of people saying they will focus more on buying for fewer people.
Irish consumers are also more likely in 2012 to support the local economy, with 65 per cent indicating that they will buy locally made products, up from 58 per cent in 2011.
Letters to Santa
Santa will be getting a lot of requests for cash this year, especially from 18-24 year olds, though people aged 55-64 said they prefer to receive books.
The top ten most wished for adult gifts in Ireland are:
Half of all spending on Christmas gifts is allocated to children, and Irish consumers were consistent with their European counterparts in this regard. When purchasing gifts for the under 12s this year, games are the favoured option by Irish consumers, followed by books; arts and crafts and action toys.
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RIP kevin we can learn a lot of t from you we should all support Lauralynn and the work they do for kids like kevin and there families Never met you kevin but you have touched me
What a lovely mum you are Mairead. That was so moving. I wish you and yours all the best.
Hats off to you Mairead and Chuck. He’s left a great legacy behind
Ah Mairead I’m in tears after that. Respect to you and Kevin.
What a very special family
Good piece. Great looking kid, all the best
Great piece Mairead. We remember & talk of Kevin often.
He looked so joyful
Beautiful piece Mairead. RIP Kevin.
Lovely piece Mairead from the heart. Know Kevin from Eithne. Hope Chuck and you get strength from Kevin to move on. Bless.
What a beautiful boy…A lovely photo.thank you for sharing Kevin with us…words escape me, my sadness for u all..Thankfully Lauralyn gave u many happy memories. Bless u all.
Beautifully written Mairead. Hugs to you and the family x
Beautiful Mairead, smiled with a tear in my eye reading this and remembering Kevvy D. X
Chuck and family a lovely tribute and a lasting legacy
A little angel be good little man
What a beautifully written piece. I would love to have met the little fella. I’m sure he would have stolen my heart. May you have peace and closure from your terrible loss. I’m very moved by the story of Wee Kevin.
Kevin could only inspire because he was a chip of the two auld blocks.
Jarleth, Mairead, and family, ordinary heroes, doing extraordinary things.
Loved the article Mairead, there’s a writer there lost in you.
Marty Daly
Thanks Chuck, Maireid and your lovely family for you generosity in sharing Kevin’s story and his smile with us. For many I am sure, it will offer inspiration and possibly comfort and to most of us a gentle reality check.
Lovely piece Mairead, full of joy and love
So very sad reading this Mairead & Chuck, remembering our meeting in 2004 & what a beautiful kind and supportive family you were to us when it was so badly needed and you still managed the strength to share it with us even though you probably should have been selfish and saved it for your own family. RIP beautiful Kevin will never forget that beautiful smile. Thinking of you & will call soon.
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