US shoppers are more organized for the holidays—and plan to spend more this Christmas

US shoppers have already started Christmas shopping, and plan to spend more than their friends across the pond

Christmas gifts under tree
(Image credit: Getty)

New research has revealed US shoppers are starting earlier and spending more than shoppers in the UK this Christmas.

As the cold weather settles, it’s not just pumpkin spice lattes that becomes an added expense.

While many people start enjoying the autumnal flavors of the fall or start spending time getting their winter skin care routine organized, there’s also the impending holiday season to start planning.


Research from consumer insights company Piplsay has delved into the attitudes of shoppers in both the US and the UK, as the 2021 holiday season approaches. Their insights have shown that Covid hasn’t put a dampener on the holiday spirit when it comes to splashing the cash.

Polling people up to October 10, 24% of US shoppers revealed they had already started their Christmas shopping, compared to 20% of shoppers in the UK.

Person holding stack of christmas presents

(Image credit: Getty)

Not only were more US shoppers getting a jumpstart on the holiday season shopping, but they’re also planning to spend more too.

26% of US shoppers are planning to spend between $1001 and $1500 and 11% are planning to spend well over $1500. Meanwhile, in the UK, 16% are planning to spend between £1001 and £1500, and 7% are planning to spend over £1500.

Christmas last year was massively affected by the pandemic, so this positive news will be reassuring news to economists and business owners.

Young girl giving gift to grandparents

(Image credit: Getty)

When asked if people will spend more on gifts, activities and food compared to years prior to the pandemic, 28% of US shoppers and 16% of UK shoppers indicated they will be upping their spend. 30% and 31% of US and UK shoppers respectively said they’ll spend a similar amount.

The Piplsay survey was conducted nationwide in the US and the UK from October 8-10, 2021. We received 30,370 and 9,700 online responses respectively from individuals aged 18 years and older.

Jack Slater
Freelance writer

Jack Slater is not the Last Action Hero, but that's what comes up first when you Google him. Preferring a much more sedentary life, Jack gets his thrills by covering news, entertainment, celebrity, film and culture for woman&home, and other digital publications.

Having written for various print and online publications—ranging from national syndicates to niche magazines—Jack has written about nearly everything there is to write about, covering LGBTQ+ news, celebrity features, TV and film scoops, reviewing the latest theatre shows lighting up London’s West End and the most pressing of SEO based stories.