Just days before the celebration of Christmasthe atmosphere in the capital’s main shopping centers reflects the traditional end-of-year excitement. The month of December historically marks a milestone in the domestic economy: Chilean households increase their expenses by 32% compared to the rest of the year, a phenomenon driven mainly by the purchase of gifts and the organization of Christmas dinners.
How much does a Chilean spend on average per gift at Christmas?
The most revealing data, coming from a recent study by the Santiago Chamber of Commerce (CCS), is the average amount that each person specifically allocates to gifts. It is estimated that, on average, a Chilean He spends around $18,000 pesos for each individual gift he buys. This is the “hidden” expense that is added to usual consumption, affecting financial planning for the next Christmas.
The season of Christmas It requires more rigorous expense planning, since it is not just about dinner or decoration. The figure of 32% increase in general spending shows the magnitude of the demand for goods and services. Although part of this consumption is explained by food and travel, the greatest traction is concentrated in technology, clothing and toys intended for Christmas.
The CCS data indicate that the increase in consumption for this Christmas It is driven by both in-person purchases and electronic commerce, a channel that has made it easier to find offers and comparisons. However, the ease of purchase can also contribute to impulsive spending, causing the average of $18,000 pesos per person on gifts to be exceeded.
To have a clear view of the impact of this celebration on finances, it is useful to break down the main focuses of family spending during the holiday season. Christmas.
- Gifts: is the main driving force, with an estimated average expense of $18,000 pesos per unit.
- Food and Drinks: purchase of special supplies for dinner and Christmas Eve and Christmas celebrations.
- Clothing and Footwear: purchases for end-of-year events or personal gifts.
- Toys and Technology: high-value items that are concentrated at this time.
