With the days until Christmas dwindling, two-thirds of celebrants—132 million Americans—still hadn't finished shopping, and 14 percent said they had yet to start, according to Consumer Reports' latest Holiday Poll, fielded Dec. 10-17.
Still others push the limits of procrastination: Nine percent of shoppers—an estimated 17 million people—said they plan to shop in stores on Christmas Eve. Last-minute shoppers, in no position to be picky, are most likely to grab a gift card (the go-to present for 62 percent), give cash (27 percent), or a bottle of wine or liquor (15 percent). Other items likely to be bought in a pinch: lottery tickets and candy. Four percent of respondents said they would hand out an IOU for a present.
Most shoppers seem to be into the spirit of the season: 55 percent of respondents continue to be upbeat or ecstatic about the shopping experience, describing it as "pleasant," "fun," or "wonderful." Half as many characterized holiday shopping as "rushed," "nerve-wracking," or "annoying." To date, shoppers have spent an average of $340.
Some other poll findings:
Who in their family would those surveyed prefer to avoid during the holidays? Extended family members such as an aunt, uncle, or cousin topped the list. And one in five said they weren't looking forward to spending time with a sibling or in-law at all.
Previously:
Crowds, packing on the pounds, aggressive parking lot drivers top list of holiday dreads
Despite Black Friday shopping spree, most consumers concerned about holiday spending
—Tod Marks
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