‘Tis the Season… to Spill the Shopping Tea
Whether you’re the type to start shopping in August or you thrive on the thrill of last-minute gift grabs, one thing’s for sure: NCP panel members take holiday shopping seriously—but not without a little fun along the way. From gift cards galore to impulse buys (you know who you are), we unwrapped your seasonal habits and favorite traditions in our latest “Holiday Shopping Vibes” survey.
So grab a cookie, cozy up, and take a peek at what makes this time of year merry, bright, and just a little bit chaotic.
When Holiday Shopping Begins
Some start before the leaves even fall. Other wait ’til December!
– 25% start shopping before Halloween
– 22% begin shopping in early November
– 21% start in late November
– 13% wait until early December
– 12% don’t do any holiday shopping
– 7% are last-minute shoppers, waiting until mid-to-late December
How You Like to Shop
In-store, online, or both? We’ve got all types of shoppers. Here’s what respondents to our survey said they prefer:
– 78%: a mix of in-store and online
– 12%: in-store only
– 10%: online only
Holiday Budgets
A majority of respondents only sometimes budget for their holiday shopping. Some plan, some guess, and some don’t budget at all. Where do you fall?
– 44% sometimes budget
– 26% always budget
– 20% rarely budget
– 10% never budget
Black Friday or Cyber Monday?
It’s a tie- or a ski! Almost half of all survey respondents shop for deals on both days.
– 46% shop both days equally
– 34% don’t shop on either day
– 13% only shop on Black Friday
– 7% shop on Cyber Monday
Gift Cards: A Popular Pick
Whether it’s only sometimes or never, gift cards stay in the mix when it comes to holiday gifts. How does your purchase of gift cards stack up to those who responded to our survey?
– 44% buy gift cards sometimes
– 27% rarely buy them
– 21% often purchase gift cards
– 8% never purchase
Impulse Buys
How many extras sneak into the bag? Impulse buys are totally normal, especially during the holidays.
– 65% of respondents buy 1-5 impulse gifts
– 16% purchase 6-10
– 5% buy more than 10
– 14% don’t buy any impulse gifts
Your Holiday Shopping Medal
If gift-buying was an Olympic event… how would you place?
– 42% Silver: Usually on schedule
– 23% Bronze: Get it done right before the deadline
– 23% Gold: Always done early
– 12% Participation ribbon: Rarely finish on time but try
Top Five Favorite Holiday Activities
These festive favorites bring the most joy, according to our survey.
1. Baking or cooking
2. Watching holiday movies
3. Decorating
4. Listening to holiday music
5. Viewing decorated homes, towns, parks, etc.
Holiday Movies
These classics top the must-watch list for our panel members:
1. It’s a Wonderful Life
2. Home Alone
3. A Christmas Story
4. The Grinch
5. Christmas Vacation
That’s it for this edition of In The Know! What do you think of the survey results from our panel members? I’d love to hear about your holiday shopping habits and your favorite activities, let me know in the comments!
Regards,
Taylor
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I am broke this year and for the past two years. Can hardly afford to pay my bills listless shop for Christmas presents. But if I had money I would wait until right before Thanksgiving to shop or Black Friday. I would buy some that day and until I finished buying for everyone. Rarely buy gift cards unless kids ask for them. I do last minute shopping and throughout December. Merry Christmas.