Scottish parents are expected to spend more on Christmas gifts for their children than the UK average by 22%. According to a study carried out by insurance company LV, their Cost of a Child study shows Scottish parents are spending £186 on main presents and £31 on stocking fillers – up £32 on last year.
Despite the economic pressures on family budgets this totals approximately £217 compared to the UK average of £178 in as a whole – an extra £10 spent on children compared to last year. Parents in the east of England will spend the least, with a total budget of £129 per child.
UK Christmas shoppers will fork out £2.47 bn, most being spent on children aged between 7 and 11 at an average of £220.
The LV survey reveals 31% of parents are feeling greater Christmas financial pressure than usual to buy presents for their kids – 29% saying they will be cutting back on spending for other family members.
The survey, also reveals that some 8% of parents are warning their children not to expect too much on Christmas morning to avoid disappointment.
The top-selling presents will include: a Fireman Sam Rescue set (£29.99); a Kidizoom children’s camera (£49.99); a Lego Ninjago set (£19.99) and Doggie Doo (£22.99) – a Christmas gift that teaches children how to scoop up dog faeces.