#United States #San Mateo #Holiday Spending #Slickdeals #Santa

Higher Holiday Spending Among Santa Believers

The holiday shopping season is upon us, and a new survey commissioned by Slickdeals reveals that the magic of Santa Claus could lead to increased holiday spending among parents. According to the findings from a study conducted by Talker Research involving 2,000 parents across the United States, those with children who believe in Santa are planning to spend 27% more on gifts this year compared to their counterparts with non-believing kids.

Spending Statistics

The survey highlights that parents of Santa believers are looking to spend an average of $491 on gifts this season, while those of non-believers expect to spend around $388. This difference shows how belief in Santa can add a layer of excitement and anticipation during the holidays, encouraging parents to invest more in making the occasion special for their children.

Interestingly, even with expensive wish lists—averaging $205—only 35% of surveyed parents deem these requests as "too expensive." In contrast, more than half (51%) acknowledged that economic pressures, such as inflation and rising interest rates, significantly influence their spending decisions.

The Joy of Believing

Beyond the financial implications, the emotional aspect of belief in Santa plays a vital role in the holiday season. A staggering 87% of parents with Santa-believing children reported that their kids are far more excited about Christmas morning compared to just 41% among non-believers. Elizabeth Simer, Chief Business Officer at Slickdeals, commented, "Believing in Santa seems to bring extra magic to the holidays for families." This tradition appears to invoke a sense of urgency among parents to create memorable experiences, which may explain the heightened spending.

On average, children who believe in Santa are set to receive around seven gifts, while their non-believing peers are only expected to get four. The survey further outlines the types of gifts popular this season, including clothing (57%), electronics (36%), video games (26%), books (26%), puzzles and games (24%), and candy (23%).

Parental Strategies for Holiday Behavior

Managing holiday behavior involves various tactics, and many parents employ Santa's notorious naughty list as leverage. This strategy is utilized by 70% of parents with Santa-believing children, compared to only 50% among those with non-believing children. Despite this reliance on the myth, 87% of parents admitted that the nice and naughty concept is more wishful thinking than reality, as they are likely to buy gifts regardless of behaviors.

When it comes to gift attribution, parents are divided. On average, 51% of holiday gifts received are credited to Santa, while 49% come from parents themselves. Nearly half (48%) of parents with children who believe in Santa save the most sought-after gift for Santa, while 31% of parents of non-believers try to recreate the magic by saving the best gifts for last.

Regardless of belief, parents universally aim to maximize their holiday spending, with 51% acknowledging the need to stretch their budgets further. Simer noted that tapping into a community platform like Slickdeals offers parents the opportunity to find the best deals and ensure that Christmas mornings remain magical—no matter who is responsible for the gifts under the tree.

About Slickdeals

Slickdeals isn't just a shopping platform; it's a community powered by millions of enthusiastic shoppers who help each other discover and share current deals and coupons from top retailers. This collaborative approach has helped users save $10 billion through deal discovery and shopping discussions. Slickdeals continues to rank among the top ten most visited shopping websites in the U.S., making it an invaluable resource during the holiday shopping season.