Christmas is coming, and let’s be real, the cost-of-living squeeze is on everyone’s mind. But if you think Aussies are ditching the festive cheer, think again! New research from Buy Now, Pay Later giant Afterpay reveals we’re not cancelling the holidays, we’re just getting seriously strategic.
Forget last-minute mall panic and credit card debt stress. This year, Aussies are leading the charge in smart shopping, making sure they can still enjoy thoughtful gifts and a little self-care without blowing the budget.
Why September is the New December: Shop Smarter, Not Harder
Nearly half of Australians ($44%) plan to spend less this holiday season, with most ($55%) aiming to keep their total spend under $750. So, how are savvy shoppers managing this?
It all comes down to one word: timing.
Australians are officially getting a head start on their holiday shopping, with a remarkable 67% planning to complete most of their purchases between September and November. This marks the earliest shopping trend we’ve seen, driven by two clear motivations:
Spreading the Cost: Over half (56%) aim to manage their finances by dividing payments over time.
Avoiding Stress: A significant 53% are planning ahead to bypass the traditional last-minute rush.
Hot Tip: If you’re a budget-conscious shopper looking to stretch your dollars, you need to be thinking about Black Friday and Cyber Monday now. Last year, the ultimate shopping day was November 29th, so circle that date!
The New Rules of Gifting: Quality Over Quantity
While close to a third of people plan to buy fewer gifts this year, the spirit of thoughtful giving is still going strong. It’s a shift from a pile of novelty items to one or two truly meaningful presents.
What’s topping the ‘nice list’ for 2025?
- Clothing and Shoes (52%) – Timeless gifts that always feel special.
- Toys (34%)
- Books (33%)
- Interior Décor (32%) – Perfect for the home-loving millennial!
Don’t Forget the Most Important Person: YOU!!!
Budgeting doesn’t mean sacrificing your own well-being. Despite the financial pressure, self-care is a major priority.
An incredible 72% of people plan to buy self-care products this season for themselves or for loved ones. In fact, 41% say they feel more inclined toward wellness purchases than last year.
It’s a clear sign that a little luxury, whether it’s a beautiful new skincare set, a great book, or a comfy new loungewear item is essential for surviving the busy holiday season.
As Katrina Konstas, Afterpay ANZ’s Country Manager, puts it: “Despite the challenges, Aussies still want to give thoughtful gifts and prioritise self-care, which shows the resilience of the festive spirit.”
This Christmas is shaping up to be about smart spending, early planning, and making sure every purchase counts. So, get your shopping lists ready, set your budget, and start hunting for those early-bird deals, your future, stress-free self will thank you for it!
