(CNW) Results of the eighth annual Visa Canada gift-giving survey show that 8.7 million Ontarians plan to spend an average of $1,068 on holiday gifts this year; a slight increase from the $1,055 recorded last year and $100 more than the 2006 national average of $930.
Conducted by Maritz Research, the survey shows that 44 percent
of Ontarians have been swept up in a gift-buying mood and have
already started their holiday shopping. This year, Ontarians
will spend an average of $101 per recipient, down by over $30
when compared to last year, but $16 more than the national
average. Shopping lists in Ontario are also slightly longer
this year as residents plan to shop for 11 people while the
national average held steady at 10.
To date, Ontarians have already spent $1.111 billion on their
Visa cards during peak season (Nov. 21- 28).  The most
likely item found in shopping bags is clothing as 74 percent of
respondents expect to give the gift of fashion.
Sixty-nine percent of shoppers will buy toys, 60 percent will purchase books, 57 percent will pick up electronics and 56 percent will turn to music items or gift certificates and gift cards.
Ontario parents typically spend more per child than any other
region ($220 versus the national average of $193), but are
cutting back this year as they plan to spend $65 less per child
than last year.
For the first time, Visa asked Ontarians whether their giving
extended beyond friends and family to local charities, and it
does. Seventy-three percent of respondents will donate an
average of $200 to their favourite organization and the same
number will donate items to food banks. The holiday season also
motivates 63 percent of Ontarians to sort through closets and
put aside clothing for local shelters.
It is better to give than receive and over 60 percent of
respondents believe the most enjoyable part of the holidays is
spending time with loved ones.
