How Much are You Planning to Spend on Yourself This Holiday Season?

I think we are all aware that the more you're out shopping the more you're likely to spend. This includes holiday shopping, of course. You're in more stores, looking at more things, and you're going to buy more -- even more than what you had originally planned.

A key part of this "extra buying" is seeing (and then purchasing) stuff that's not for anyone on your list, but is simply for you.

I'll admit that I usually pick up a few (several?) items in the course of doing my Christmas shopping. I'm out looking for things to check off my list (for others), see something I want/like at a good price, and snap it up. Nothing wrong with that, right?

Well, it appears that I'm not alone in this habit. People not only spend plenty of money on themselves while holiday shopping, but they're planning to spend more this year than last. Here's what CNN Money says about the situation:

Holiday shoppers say they plan to spend an average of $704.18 on gifts and other seasonal items this year, down slightly from last year's $718.98. Most of that money will go toward gifts for family, with the average person expected to shell out $403.26 on presents for kids, parents and other loved ones.

Many shoppers, however, also plan to put themselves near the top of their Christmas lists. About 60% of those surveyed said they plan to take advantage of seasonal sales and discounts to make purchases for themselves during the holidays. The average person plans to spend approximately $130.43 on non-gift purchases for themselves or a family member, up from $112.20 in 2010.

A few thoughts:

• We spend roughly $800 or so on Christmas presents every year, so it looks like we're close to the average.


• We do take advantage of seasonal sales when shopping. We buy wrapping paper, ribbons, etc. at discounted prices (for the next year) as well as items that are used as loss leaders by retailers (I got some anti-virus software last November for a STEAL at Staples.)


• I don't think I spend as much as $112, but I could. And if it meant that I'd get something I would normally pay $50 for and buy it for $15, why not? In the case of the anti-virus software, I bought it but didn't activate it until a few months later -- when my last version expired. Saved myself a good amount of money.


• I wonder if there's less buying for yourself when people shop online. When I buy through the web, I usually know what I'm looking for, find it, and buy it. There's much less chance that I'll simply "run into" something I "need."

How about you? Do you buy things for yourself when you go out holiday shopping?

Comments

[Matt]

It is hard to quantify. I went to the black friday sale and bought a $70 coffee maker for $40 that both me and my wife will use. I bought a small 19" TV $170 for $78 that we will both use. I know my wife will buy herself something small that I got her and she will buy something for me. Total it all up and it might get just over $150.

The kids are now at the stage where money is the best.

I feel that we are really not the norm.

[FMF]

Matt --

I think money is the best option this year for our kids too...

[Becky]

I spent $30 on clothing for myself and will spend about $200 on clothing for my spouse. I count it as Christmas shopping, but I always buy things I would have definitely bought otherwise. Everyone else in the family will get money, as I hate gift cards.

[Christy]

I bought myself a new router since it was on sale and I have been needing one for awhile. I will wrap it up so I will have something under the tree from 'santa'. I would have bought one anyway, but the Christmas sale just gave me the reason to purchase now.

[Carol]

I bought a food processor for $30.00

[Georgia]

I give money to my kids as they live so far away and I don't really know all the family preferences. For myself, I will probably buy an exercise bike from Walmart. I just finished cardio rehab at a local hospital and I need a way to keep exercising that I know I will follow through with.

My total for Christmas will be less than $400 for 7 people, counting me. I have also signed up for the Master Card bonus. Between Amazon and Walmart, I should be okay.