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Published on 09/12/2024
Managing budgets at Christmas: how the French plan their festive spending
The festive season is fast approaching, and with it, the magic of presents, festive meals and family time. This holiday period can however require rigorous budget management. Between Christmas presents, decorations and festivities, expenses can quickly add up. A study carried out by Floa in collaboration with YouGov1 reveals the trends and strategies adopted by French people to control their Christmas spending.
Let's take a closer look at these findings and explore some payment solutions that let you be generous while managing your budget.
Boom in planning and spreading payments
Paying in instalments is becoming an increasingly popular solution for Christmas shopping. According to the study,
- 27% of French people say that they spread their payments or buy gifts over several months1.
- among them, 20% opt to pay for purchases in instalments1, a solution that is particularly popular with parents who want to spoil their children.
- 7% are specifically considering split payments1, a practical and secure alternative.
These figures reflect a strong trend: Christmas is no longer just a time for spending, but also an opportunity for intelligent financial planning.
What’s the budget for Christmas presents?
While the spirit of Christmas is above all symbolic, many French people set a specific budget for their presents. 64% of them set a dedicated amount1, particularly families and those living in small towns.
In depth:
- 65% of French people are planning to spend between €101 and €500 on their Christmas shopping1.
- The most common bracket is €101 to €300, which encompasses 39% of respondents1.
Getting organised in this way shows the importance of preparing for the festive season while avoiding unexpected expenses.
Carefully considered purchasing strategies
Bargain hunting
French people are paying close attention to shopping opportunities: 41% wait for sales periods such as Black Friday or other discounts to do their Christmas shopping. Women, who know how to juggle generosity and savings, are most likely to engage in this kind of behaviour.
The second-hand option
Buying second-hand is both a thrifty and sustainable solution:
- One in four French people (namely 26%)1 opt for second-hand gifts for Christmas.
- There are two reasons for this: 32% are looking to reduce their spending, while 12% are aware of the environmental impact of over-consumption1.
- 23% of French people want ethical gifts without reducing their overall consumption.
This trend reflects a growing awareness of sustainability and ethics in purchasing decisions.
The key role of customised payment solutions
In this context, payment solutions such as those offered by Floa play an essential role in enabling people to spread their spending. Financing options such as payment in instalments2 or deferred payments4 offer invaluable flexibility, particularly over the festive period.
Marc Lanvin, Deputy Managing Director of Floa, sums it up as follows:
"This study shows just how commonplace payment solutions have become for the French,” he states. “They are now looking at their budgets, particularly for the festive season, both in advance and in stages. We are committed to supporting them on a day-to-day basis by providing them with tailored solutions to help them keep their spending under control throughout the year.”
Thanks to modern, secure tools, consumers can get quality Christmas gifts for themselves and their loved ones.
Tips for a peaceful and generous Christmas
- Plan ahead: Set a realistic Christmas budget, including one for gifts, meals and decorations.
- Take advantage of opportunities: Look out for discounts and sales periods such as Black Friday to find gift ideas at the best price.
- Choose flexible payment methods: Whether you opt for Buy Now Pay Later or payment in instalments solutions, they can help you smooth out your spending over several months.
- Explore second-hand: Dedicated platforms and second-hand shops offer treasures that are both unique and responsible.
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