Among a litany of annoyances and “things we would rather avoid,” nothing warrants a holiday groan more than wrapping gifts.
According to a recent survey from Los Angeles-based online deals platform Slickdeals, 52% of U.S. consumers believe wrapping gifts is the most dreaded part of the holiday season. In fact, more than half (51%) say they try to avoid gift wrapping at all costs, preferring to pay a professional.
U.S. consumers prefer easy-to-wrap gifts
Gift wrapping is such a loathed task this holiday season that half of Slickdeals respondents say they’ll go out of their way to buy easy-to-wrap gifts. The hardest presents to wrap, according to respondents, are:
- Bicycles (55%)
- Gym equipment (46%)
- Sporting balls (45%)
- Guitars (45%)
- Candles (22%)
Nearly 6 in 10 (59%) U.S. consumers say they can tell what something is — and who it’s from — based on how it’s wrapped. Respondents report spending an average of $56 on gift wrap during the holidays, so many appear to focus on their guessing rather than their wrapping.
Americans expect to spend an average of over $250 this holiday season
Gift-wrapping woes aside, Americans intend to spend well more than $250, on average, this holiday season — minus travel costs. (The Slickdeals survey didn’t specify the exact amount beyond “well over $250.”) Consumers also plan to dole out an average of $61 on holiday-edition exclusives — think seasonal foods, festive attire and new beauty products.
Respondents with kids expect the average cost of gifts for children this season will be $89, on average. And 68% of parents say their kids have a long holiday wish list this season.
LendingTree survey: Nearly half of Americans are dreading the holidays as some are still paying off last year’s spending
Not just looking at kids’ lists, what do people hope to receive this year? The most anticipated gifts this year include:
- New smartphones, laptops and TVs (43%)
- Experiential gifts (42%)
- Popular toys (38%)
- Video game consoles (36%)
- Clothing (32%)
- Board games (31%)
- Kitchen appliances (28%)
- Furniture (26%)
- Fitness equipment (22%)
- Self-care products (19%)
While there’s a lot to get excited about, U.S. consumers are afraid Santa might not make a proper — and timely — drop-off this year. More than half of respondents have concerns about shipping delays (56%), the rising costs of goods (56%) and inventory shortages (51%).
So what about Secret Santa gifts?
More than 1 in 3 (37%) respondents plan to participate in a Secret Santa exchange this holiday season. And while they can be fun, Secret Santa exchanges can be quite unpopular.
Among respondents, 79% say they hate getting reeled into a Secret Santa exchange because they don’t know what to buy. Further, 87% admit they regift things they’ve received from past Secret Santa exchanges.
Despite Secret Santa exchanges not being everyone’s favorite holiday activity, respondents say they spend an average of $85 on them. More than 8 in 10 (86%) of these exchanges have spending limits, while more than 9 in 10 (93%) consumers look for sales to help them save.
To make Secret Santa exchanges more enjoyable and prevent regifting, have participants send a wish list beforehand. And to avoid holiday debt hangover this year, set spending limits on your credit cards and make the most of cashback credit card rewards.
Methodology
Slickdeals commissioned OnePoll to survey 2,000 U.S. consumers from Oct. 7-12, 2021.
This article originally appeared on LendingTree.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
More from MediaFeed:
Holiday theme park events that are totally worth the splurge
If you’re a theme park fan, you know the holidays are something special. Most parks decorate for the season or hold special events, offering new shows and unique attractions for Halloween, Christmas, and more.
While many of these events have an extra fee, they can be well worth the added cost. Here are some of the top events being held this fall and winter.
Theme parks all over the country host special events throughout the year, transforming their grounds into haunted destinations, bountiful fall harvests, and winter wonderlands. We selected our favorite events at different amusement parks based on their unique features and cost.
philinnz4 / istockphoto
One of the most popular theme parks in the world, Disney World operates two major events each year.
1. Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is a special event held on select nights between August 16 and November 1. It’s a separately ticketed event, meaning you’ll have to buy a special ticket beyond the general admission fee. There’s a special fireworks show, trick-or-treating, and a Halloween-themed parade. Tickets start at $85.
2. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
Between November 8 and December 22, Disney World’s Magic Kingdom hosts Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, another separately ticketed event. Elsa from Disney’s Frozen lights up the castle with special lights, the park is elaborately decorated, and there are special shows, parades, and a fireworks display. Tickets start at $99.
Diana Kelly / Flickr
If you’re going to be in Europe this winter, consider visiting Disneyland Paris between November 9 and January 6. The park is decorated with millions of lights, and there are elaborate holiday decorations throughout. You can also access special shows, parades, and character greetings, and children can get their pictures taken with Santa. Ticket prices start at $67.73.
aureliefrance / istockphoto
Disney’s first theme park holds two special events at its parks in California:
4. Oogie Boogie Bash
The Oogie Boogie Bash is an event that requires a separate ticket from the standard admission, and is only available on select nights. It’s held in the California Adventure Park between September 17 and October 31 and features a special night laser show, a dance party, and a Halloween-themed parade. Tickets start at $100 and tend to sell quickly. In fact, tickets are already sold out for 2019.
5. Holidays at Disneyland Resort
Between November 8 and January 6, both Disneyland and California Adventure are decorated with millions of lights and Christmas decorations. The parks host special shows and parades, and there are holiday-themed special treats. Each evening, the castle is transformed with dazzling lights, and even the Haunted Mansion gets decked out in the holiday spirit, with characters appearing from “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Tickets start at $104 for a single-day ticket.
HarshLight / Flickr
Cedar Point is known as the roller coaster capital of the world, with jaw-dropping coasters for thrill seekers. Its biggest event is HalloWeekends.
6. The Great Pumpkin Fest
On weekends between September 14 and October 27, families can enjoy the Great Pumpkin Fest, a child-friendly event. There are special arts and crafts activities, trick-or-treating, and a Halloween-themed parade. Tickets start at $45.
7. Haunt at HalloWeekends
If you’re feeling brave, check out the Haunt at HalloWeekends between September 13 and October 27. Not only will the rides be open after dark, but there’s also haunted mazes and outdoor scare zones with costumed actors. Tickets start at $45.
Andrew Borgen / Flickr
Originally designed for employees of the local Hershey Chocolate Factory, Hersheypark is now a theme park open to the public, offering rides and attractions for the whole family. Two of its most popular events are Hersheypark In The Dark and Christmas Candylane.
8. Hersheypark In The Dark
During weekends between October 18 and November 3, Hersheypark stays open after dark. You can ride your favorite roller coasters and attractions at night, enjoy a glow dance party, and take a night tour of Creatures Of The Night at ZooAmerica, an 11-acre zoo. Adult tickets cost $41.95.
9. Christmas Candylane
On select dates from November 15 to January 1, Hersheypark hosts Christmas Candylane. The park is decorated with over four million lights, and there’s a special visit from Santa and his reindeer. Because it’s cold in Pennsylvania in the winter, you get a discount on tickets; tickets for Christmas Candylane cost just $23.95.
Ben Ferenchak / Flickr
Six Flags Great Adventure is known for its world-class roller coasters and special events. The location in Jackson, New Jersey hosts two major holiday-themed events:
10. Fright Fest
Fright Fest is held on select nights between September 13 and November 3. After the sun goes down, there are haunted mazes and scare zones located throughout the park. Tickets are $82.99, but you can save up to 50% on your purchase price if you buy your tickets online ahead of time.
11. Holiday in the Park
Between November 17 and January 1, Six Flags hosts Holiday in the Park, a Christmas-themed event. There are special shows, acrobatic performances, incredible decorations, and special holiday foods. You can enjoy Holiday in the Park for $67.99 — the same price as a normal admission ticket.
Six Flags Great Adventure
Located in historic Williamsburg, Virginia, Busch Gardens is home to incredible rides and Jack Hanna’s Wildlife Reserve, which houses many wild animals. The park hosts two fall-themed events:
12. Howl-O-Scream
For the brave of heart, Howl-O-Scream offers unique thrills between September 14 and October 27. The kid-friendly attractions close at 5 p.m. so the park can focus on adult-level scares. There are elaborate haunted houses, scare zones, spooky escape rooms, and special (and gruesome) live shows. Tickets are usually $86.99, but you can save up to 40% by buying your tickets in advance online.
13. The Count’s Spooktacular
If you have young children, the Count’s Spooktacular is a great alternative to the grown-up Howl-O-Scream. Between October 4 and October 27, Busch Gardens hosts a child-friendly Halloween event, allowing kids to see their favorite Sesame Street characters and enjoy special activities and trick-or-treating. Tickets for the Spooktacular cost $41.99 if purchased online for children between the ages of three and nine.
Brian Holland / Flickr
Silver Dollar City is a theme park like no other. Styled after the 1880s, it features rides, attractions, craftsmen, and unique shops. It has many seasonal events, but two of the most popular are the Harvest Festival and An Old Time Christmas.
14. Harvest Festival
A kid-friendly event, the Harvest Festival features thousands of glowing pumpkin displays, pumpkin carving stations, character meet and greets, and fun photo opportunities. Select attractions will stay open late, so you can go on your favorite rides after dark. Tickets start at $58 per person, and the Harvest Festival runs from September 25 until October 26.
15. An Old Time Christmas
During An Old Time Christmas, the park is decorated with over 6.5 million lights. You’ll also enjoy a nightly parade featuring Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and a living nativity scene. The event runs from November 2 until December 30, and tickets start at $58.
Silver Dollar City
Universal Orlando is made up of two theme parks: Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure, the home of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. While the parks host several events, the most well-known are Halloween Horror Nights and Mardi Gras.
16. Halloween Horror Nights
Designed for adults, Halloween Horror Nights isn’t recommended for children under the age of 13. Available on select nights between September 6 and November 2, there are 10 detailed haunted houses, five themed scare zones, and live entertainment with special effects. This year’s attractions stand out thanks to a “Stranger Things” house based on the popular series; plus, Rob Zombie’s creations will appear in both a haunted house and scare zone. Tickets start at $67.99.
17. Mardi Gras
From February 1 until April 2, Universal operates a Mardi Gras celebration. The event features a gigantic New Orleans-style parade with performers, authentic Cajun food, and a special concert series. Past seasons have included performances from artists like Pitbull, Macklemore, and the Steve Miller Band. Mardi Gras festivities and concerts are included with a park general admissions ticket; tickets start at $115.
Universal Studios
Visiting the theme parks and enjoying their special holiday events can be costly, especially for families. However, there are some ways you can save money:
- Check for discounts: Some theme parks, including Disney and Universal, offer special discounts throughout the year. You could score deals on packages if you book hotel stays and park tickets together. And if you buy your special event tickets in advance, you can often get a lower price than if you pay at the gate.
- Redeem credit card rewards: If you have a rewards credit card, redeem your points or cash back for travel. You could redeem your rewards for discounted flights or free hotel stays, hopefully leaving you some spare cash to spend on theme park admission and souvenirs.
- Use your credit card to earn points: Once you’re at the theme parks, use a travel credit card to earn valuable rewards. For example, theme park purchases often code as either entertainment or travel, so using a credit card that offers bonus points in these categories can help you max out your rewards.
Die-hard fans may even opt for theme-park branded credit cards such as those offered by Disney, which can offer extra perks at correlating parks. - Use your AAA membership: If you have a AAA (American Automobile Association) membership, you could get discounted tickets to parks like Disneyland, Universal, or Busch Gardens. To get the savings, purchase tickets through your local AAA office or online through the AAA site.
MonkeyBusinessImages
If you love theme parks, the holidays are a great time to visit. The special events and decor make it a very different experience from the rest of the year. By doing some research and exploring available discounts, you can indulge in these special events without blowing your budget.
This article originally appeared on FinanceBuzz.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
choreograph
Featured Image Credit: istockphoto.
