{"id":26799,"date":"2018-12-10T15:06:27","date_gmt":"2018-12-10T15:06:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/intouchrugby.com\/connacht\/?p=26799"},"modified":"2019-01-10T16:03:27","modified_gmt":"2019-01-10T16:03:27","slug":"christmas-special-advent-stocking-fillers-guide-part-4","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/intouchrugby.com\/connacht\/christmas-special-advent-stocking-fillers-guide-part-4\/","title":{"rendered":"Christmas Special Advent & Stocking Fillers Guide Part 4!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"},"content":{"rendered":"

GENEROUS BRITS SPLURGE OVER \u00a3200M MORE ON CHILDREN\u2019S CHRISTMAS PRESENTS THAN THEIR PARENTS DID A GENERATION AGO<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Nationwide spending on children\u2019s presents has increased by \u00a32.68bn in a generation \u2013 the equivalent of \u00a3204m considering inflation*
\nThe average Brit will spend \u00a3119.45 per child on presents this Christmas \u2013 73% more than what their parents spent on them!
\nYoung families are twice as likely to already be saving for Christmas now than 10 years ago
\nHalf (47%) believe their children ask for more presents than they did at their age \u2013 games consoles (38%) and mobile phones (35%) top Xmas wish lists
\nDads most likely to benefit from children\u2019s presents – UK kids set to spend \u00a327.4m more on presents for Dad than Mum!
\nTwo-thirds (63%) of children under 10 years old still believe in Santa \u2013 one in ten (9%) contact Santa on social media rather than writing a letter
\nMONDAY 19TH NOVEMBER 2018 \u2013 LONDON, UK \u2013 Generous Brits are set to embark on a festive spending bonanza over the next six weeks, according to figures released today.<\/p>\n

The findings released today by VoucherCodes.co.uk, the leading savings site, show that Brits are set to spend \u00a3203.98m more on children\u2019s Christmas presents than their parents did a generation ago, considering inflation*. The survey of over 2,000 people across the country discovered that the average parent will spend \u00a3119.45 per child on Christmas presents this year, an increase of \u00a350.21 on what their own parents spent on them \u2013 meaning the cost of Christmas has increased by \u00a32.68bn (73%) in a generation!<\/p>\n

Half (47%) of parents believe that their children ask for more presents than they did at their age and the research has revealed just how the expense of Christmas has increased for the average modern family as a result of meeting these greater expectations.<\/p>\n

With a quarter (23%) of parents spending over \u00a3200 on Christmas presents per child, compared to just 6% a generation ago, the research has highlighted the financial pressures that families are now under to provide a special Christmas for their kids. This is particularly true for parents under the age of 35, with three out of five (59%) admitting they\u2019re saving money for Christmas by mid-November in contrast to just a third (33%) at the same time a decade ago.<\/p>\n

Children\u2019s wish list<\/p>\n

With so much money being spent, it\u2019s important that parents are invested in what they\u2019re purchasing. Despite this, a third (37%) admit they buy Christmas gifts without knowing if their children would actually want them and a quarter (28%) confess they\u2019ve been guilty of buying rubbish presents because they left it too late to go shopping.<\/p>\n

This is perhaps best explained in the huge shift in priorities between what children are looking for now compared to when parents were anxiously looking under the Christmas tree. Indeed, two out of five (38%) children now want to find a games console in their stocking, while a third also ask for a mobile phone (35%) and an iPad or iPod (32%).<\/p>\n

Most popular presents for children** now<\/p>\n

Toys
\n45%<\/p>\n

Games consoles
\n38%<\/p>\n

Mobile phone
\n35%<\/p>\n

iPad\/iPod
\n32%<\/p>\n

Lego
\n29%<\/p>\n

The research has revealed the different demands that children had a generation ago, leading three out of ten (30%) parents to admit their children can be ungrateful at Christmas time. Indeed, it was simple board games (35%) and books (30%) that topped their own wish lists alongside toys rather than a games console (10%) or mobile phone (8%).<\/p>\n

Parents\u2019 wish list<\/p>\n

It must not be forgotten that Christmas is also a time for children to treat their parents with gifts too. The average child under 10 years old will \u201cspend\u201d a total of \u00a326.71 on Mum and Dad for Christmas, with chocolates (44%), perfume\/aftershave (28%) and clothing (25%) being the most popular presents. In contrast, once we reach 18 years old, the average adult spends \u00a356.40 on Christmas presents for their parents.<\/p>\n

While Dads are eyeing clothes (30%) and entertainment in the form of music or films (25%) this Christmas, the research has found it is the thought that counts for Mums. Four out of five (81%) would rather receive less expensive, more thoughtful presents. Although the majority (54%) of Mums would prefer handmade gifts from their kids than those bought from a store, only a third (31%) of children under the age of 10 choose handmade gifts.<\/p>\n

Most popular presents from children** for their parents<\/p>\n

Chocolates
\n44%<\/p>\n

Handmade gift
\n31%<\/p>\n

Perfume\/aftershave
\n28%<\/p>\n

Clothing
\n25%<\/p>\n

Jewellery
\n20%<\/p>\n

With Mums far more likely to receive handmade gifts, the research has revealed that, overall, the nation spends an average of 12% more on gifts bought for Dads (\u00a321.75) than presents for Mums (\u00a319.43). Overall, this is the equivalent of \u00a327.4m more being spent on presents for Dads across the nation than Mums.<\/p>\n

Embracing the festive spirit<\/p>\n

The full-blown festive season is on the horizon and fast approaching. Indeed, the research has indicated almost half (45%) of Brits are already feeling in the Christmas spirit now that the lights have started to be switched on across the country. Meanwhile, three out of ten (30%) young adults have been embracing Christmas the moment Halloween and Bonfire Night were over.<\/p>\n

The enthusiasm of children can make even the most festive adult look like a Grinch at Christmas. The research has found that two-thirds (63%) of children under the age of 10 believe in Santa, with the majority looking forward to leaving mince pies and milk for him (56%) and a carrot for Rudolph (55%). Half (54%) will be writing a letter to Santa, detailing why they\u2019ve been good this year and what they\u2019d like to find under the tree this Christmas, while one in ten (9%) will instead be contacting Santa on social media.<\/p>\n

Children** celebrating Christmas<\/p>\n

Believe in Santa
\n63%<\/p>\n

Leave mince pies and milk for Santa
\n56%<\/p>\n

Leave carrots for Rudolph
\n55%<\/p>\n

Write a letter for Santa
\n54%<\/p>\n

Visit Santa\u2019s grotto
\n51%<\/p>\n

Anita Naik, Lifestyle Editor at VoucherCodes.co.uk, said: \u201cIt is heart-warming that the spirit of goodwill is still alive and well and Brits intend to be so generous this Christmas. The massive increase in spending on Christmas presents in a single generation does however place people, particularly young families, under financial pressure.<\/p>\n

We would encourage people to shop around for the best deal before buying the \u2018must have\u2019 gift they\u2019re after for that special someone. Whilst celebrating the festive season, be mindful of spending – try to stick to a budget and to focus on quality rather than quantity to prevent both the number of presents and the cost snowballing out of control each year! Compare prices across different stores online before you shop, and always check for a discount code before you hit the checkout.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Range<\/strong><\/p>\n

LOL Surprise dolls \u2013 from \u00a33.99. Spider-Man digital watch in a tin – \u00a35.99. Sticky Poo \u00a36.99. Star Wars Yoda plush toy \u00a38.99. Puppy Lamp \u00a39.99. Sausage Dog Money Box \u00a34.99. Golf mug \u00a34.99. Wellington mug \u00a34.99. Sir Wash Set \u00a37.99. Soap Flowers \u00a37.99. Quiz Cube \u00a34.99. Prosecco Party Game \u00a34.99. Love Hearts Reed Diffuser \u00a32.99.<\/p>\n

\u00a0\"\"<\/p>\n

STABILO<\/strong><\/p>\n

STABILO Cappi 12pc \u00a36.89. STABILO Swing Cool highlighters \u00a39.58. STABILO Pen 68 Metallic edition \u00a35.98. STABILO pointMax 4pc \u00a33.99. STABILO SENSOR 4pc \u00a38.06.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The Homebase Needlelast Nordman Fir Real Christmas Tree is now only \u00a312.<\/strong><\/p>\n

When it\u2019s gone, it\u2019s gone!<\/p>\n

Size 1.65m – 2.15m<\/p>\n

https:\/\/www.homebase.co.uk\/our-range\/christmas\/christmas-trees\/real-trees<\/p>\n

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THE ADDICTIVE PHONE ACCESSORY THAT\u2019S GOT EVERYONE TALKING
\nIntroducing the all-new PopGrip with changeable PopTops from PopSockets<\/h3>\n

www.popsockets.co.uk<\/a><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

FACEBOOK<\/a> | TWITTER<\/a>\u00a0| PINTEREST<\/a> | INSTAGRAM<\/a> | YOUTUBE<\/a><\/p>\n

A PopSockets PopGrip is a small, customisable, and highly functional phone accessory that easily sticks to the back of your phone, or phone case, making everyday phone activities that little bit easier.<\/p>\n

As an evolution of the original model, the all-new PopSockets PopGrip takes the functionality of its predecessor but allows users the luxury to swap and change the face \u2013 making sure there\u2019s a PopTop to match any occasion.<\/p>\n

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With an already huge organic userbase among Hollywood celebrities and artists; including Kendall Jenner, Serena Williams, Gigi Hadid and Emma Roberts, the introduction of the new PopSockets PopGrip with changeable PopTops is now set to take over as the hottest new phone accessory.<\/p>\n

The latest craze from PopSockets is the newly announced premium line adorned with crystals from Swarovski\u00ae. This coveted collection comes in four shimmering Swarovski crystal colors including black, silver, gold and red variation \u2013 adding that dazzling sparkle to your everyday handset. The new must-have accessory costs \u00a349.90 and is available from https:\/\/popsockets.co.uk\/<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Use it as a grip \u2013 avoid dropping your phone by using the extending socket to give you additional grip, for when you\u2019re one-hand texting or just using your device on the move<\/p>\n

Use it as a stand \u2013 tired of propping your phone up against something to watch your favourite programmes? Extend the Pop Grip to prop up your device and watch shows without interruption<\/p>\n

Use it as a mount \u2013 there are two different mounts available; a moveable and adjustable mount that a PopGrip slots into, or a flat surface mount that allows you to stick your device to any surface<\/p>\n

Use it to express yourself \u2013 the all-new PopGrip allows you to swap, pop and collect new PopTops, giving you a new and fashionable design for every occasion.<\/p>\n

Simple, fashionable, practical, affordable, and most importantly compatible with all mobile devices, PopSockets PopGrip and PopTop ranges start from just \u00a39.99 on popsockets.co.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Created in 2010 by David Barnett, 2018\u2019s EY Entrepreneur of the Year, and launching in the US in 2014, PopSockets has now sold over 40 million products to date in over 40 countries. This year, PopSockets was also highlighted as the second fastest growing company in the US by INC magazine.<\/p>\n

The PopSockets brand continues to evolve, brining customers new and innovative ways to express themselves through their smartphones. The range includes all-new PopWallets and the limited edition Swarovski festive range \u2013 all available from popsockets.co.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Whether you have a PopSockets Grip for practicality, or just want to express yourself that little bit further, there\u2019s something for everyone.<\/p>\n