Brits Playing Hide And Seek In Run Up To Christmas

22/12/2008

New research has today (Monday, 22nd December) revealed that Brits are playing an elaborate game of hide and seek when it comes to Christmas presents.

The quarterly housebuyers survey from Yorkshire Bank has shown that Brits are highly creative when it comes to keeping presents hidden until the big day.

Despite this, it seems that British youngsters are getting better and better at outsmarting their parents when it comes to finding the presents.

Some 23% of Brits surveyed said their children have found their presents before Christmas Day. Youngsters in the South West seem to be the most successful with 29% tracking down their gifts in comparison to none in East Anglia!

Youngsters who find their presents before Christmas Day:

• East Anglia                                 0%
• East Midlands                           17%
• North East                                  18%
• Yorkshire and Humberside    19%
• West Midlands                           23%
• Wales                                          25%
• North West                                 28%
• London                                       28%
• South East                                 28%
• South West                                29%

Yorkshire Bank’s quarterly Homebuyers Report found that many take advantage of the generosity of friends and family by hiding them in someone else’s home with the loft and cupboards also remaining firm favourites.

The survey also revealed that some try more unusual places such as the boot of the car and even their office.

Gary Lumby, Yorkshire Bank’s Head of Retail, said: “As a father myself I know only too well how difficult it can be keeping secrets and surprises from your nearest and dearest.
“Christmas is a great time of year and it’s important to have fun. But whatever you are hiding this year, make sure it is not problems with debt. There are lots of ways to access debt advice including speaking to your local bank manager.

Here are more simple tips from Yorkshire Bank to save money this Christmas:

1. Make some extra money by selling unwanted gifts or things you no longer need on on-line auction sites or at a car boot sale.
2. Recycle your Christmas party outfit from last year – can you remember what everyone else wore?
3. Handmade cards and gifts will always be treasured by mums, dads, grans and granddads and will also save you money.
4. Share the burden – grandparents and aunts and uncles often look for help in picking presents. Let them buy things you know your children really want so there is less for you to get.
5. Keep it simple – many people buy far more food than they can possibly eat over the festive period with much of it ending up in the bin. Just buy what you need.