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All I (don't) want for Christmas...South Africans weigh in

From sweets to Christmas cards, shoppers the world over have revealed what they don't want for Christmas. The global survey, which included South Africa, was conducted in 34 countries - and also included what most were hoping to receive in their Christmas stocking instead.

In SA, according to the survey, the most desirable gifts seem to be jewellery, money and clothes.

While the sample pool in SA was small, the overall survey included more than 13 000 people. It was conducted by international voucher code chain Picodi.

While South Africans indicated that most were last minute shoppers, more than half indicated that Christmas ornaments in shopping malls and special sales like Black Friday often pushed them to buy gifts in November already. Only some 5% said they shop for gifts in advance.

South Africans also indicated that they spend, on average, about R1 500 on gifts over the Christmas period

To gift or not to gift?

South African respondents said they mostly buy gifts for relatives (76%) and friends (52%). Only 5% indicated that they buy gifts for colleagues. Some 5% indicated that they also buy gifts for the needy as part of charity campaigns over this period.

When choosing Christmas gifts, most South African respondents said they ask directly what the receiver would like to get (52%).

Fewer indicated that they tried to find out what someone likes (33%) and 15% said they buy gifts on a hunch.

Apart from clothes (67%), South Africans like to gift toys (57%); jewellery (43%); accessories (38%); alcohol (29%); perfume (29%) and sweets (24%).

Some of these, however, are in stark contrast to what South Africans would prefer not to receive.

Based on the survey, respondents indicated that among the worst Christmas gifts were sweets (48%), toys (43%), alcohol (33%) and Christmas cards (29%).

They indicated they would prefer jewellery (48%), money (43%), clothes (43%) and perfume (43%) as Christmas gifts instead.

About 38% of South African respondents said they buy a new outfit for Christmas, while 10% said they only buy new accessories for the occasion. Those who do buy a new Christmas outfit, said they spend on average about R1 299 on it.

South African respondents also indicated that they spend on average a total of R1 614 on Christmas food. Most South African respondents (86%) said they spend Christmas at home, while 14% said they visit their friends.

What South Africans want and don't want for Christmas:

christmas

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