53% of mums make a deal with their partner NOT to buy Christmas gifts

Christmas is just around the corner, lists are being made and checked twice by parents all over the country, but spouses and partners are being left off the list for many. According to new research commissioned by FUJIFILM, over half (53 percent) of parents this year are planning not to gift to their partner this Christmas. 

Delving into the insights provided by over 1,000 mums in recent weeks, the rationale for not giving to their other half at Christmas can be summarised under three main headings:

• Money: After purchasing gifts for children and extended family, on top of forking out for the festive food, there is just no cash left to buy for their other half according to 48 percent of mums.

• Inspiration: What do you buy the person who ‘has everything’ or simply ‘does not need anything’? This was the response of 27 percent of mums who are planning on ditching the Christmas gift for their partner this year.

• Time: With mums taking on the lion’s share of the Christmas preparations, it’s hardly surprising that 25 percent say that they simply won’t have time to purchase a gift for their other half on top of everything else.

The Christmas countdown is on and while some mums (13 percent) will have started ticking off their gift list as early as January this year, not everyone is as organised. However the common theme amongst this year’s savvy mums is to shop local, with over 77 percent avoiding online UK purchases for fear of problems getting product guarantees honoured in the future or returning items in the new year due to Brexit. 

Parenting Expert Laura Erskine, has some advice for mums and dads putting themselves and their partner last on their Christmas list this year:

“Choosing not to buy your other half a gift this Christmas may seem like the easy option this year, especially when done on the basis of a joint pact. However, I would advise parents to think very carefully about what this says about the health of your relationship, and what message this sends your children.”

“When a relationship is under strain, the lack of a gift or indeed a poorly thought out gift tend to take on symbolic proportions where the recipient believes their partner doesn’t care for them as much as they used to. This is particularly true when you witness the giver gift to family members at the same time. Likewise, when your other half nails your gift, irrespective of how much money was spent on it, you tend to feel loved and connected to your mate.”

“You must remember that your children will be watching and take pleasure out of seeing the two most important people in their lives, gift to each other on Christmas morning. Similarly the lack of a gift to one another may cause anxiety or upset around the security of their family unit.”  

Gift giving to your partner at Christmas time is an important part of the celebration and does not have to cost a lot of money, require a huge amount of thought, or take up too much of your time.  The FUJIFILM Imagine mobile app is every parent’s secret weapon to blitz their Christmas list in record time, but with all of the sentiment and none of the hefty expense! 

The photos locked away on our smartphones hold the secret to some really amazing Christmas gifts. Simply choose photos depicting special moments shared between you and your partner, the kids or even the family pet and use them to create personalised presents they will treasure forever. You can order through the FUJIFILM Imagine mobile app, online, and on touch screen kiosks in store nationwide. Choose from personalised photo books, canvas art, phone or tablet covers and much, much more. Then, wrap it all up with personalised gift-wrapping paper to really bring a smile to their faces this festive season.