Business · Economy · 17 hrs ago
Couples’ Christmas gift spending peaks after 11 to 15 years together
A UK survey found that couples together for 11 to 15 years plan to spend the most on Christmas gifts for each other.
They expect to spend £243 on average, compared with an overall average of £193.
The average drops to £189 for couples together for 16 to 20 years and £180 for those together longer than 20 years.
In newer relationships, 67% say deciding how much to spend feels awkward before the relationship becomes more formal.
Moving from an undefined relationship to a formal one in the early months is linked to an average gift budget increase from £117 to £171.
Nearly half struggle to find good gift ideas, with clothing, shoes and trainers the most popular choices.
Clearpay commissioned Opinium to survey 4,000 people in the UK in October, and the findings describe planned spending rather than actual purchases.
Couples together for 11 to 15 years plan to spend the most on Christmas gifts for their partners, averaging £243, a survey commissioned by Clearpay found.
That compares with an overall average of £193.
Average spending falls to £189 for couples together for 16 to 20 years and £180 for relationships lasting more than 20 years.
The research found that 67% of people in early-stage relationships find it awkward to decide how much to spend.
Clearpay commissioned Opinium to survey 4,000 people across the UK in October.
- Who
- UK couples and people in relationships, surveyed by Opinium for Clearpay.
- What
- The survey found planned Christmas gift spending peaks at £243 among couples together for 11 to 15 years, then falls for longer relationships.
- When
- The survey was conducted in October; the article was published on November 9, 2026.
- Where
- Across the UK.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Opinium surveyed 4,000 people across the UK for Clearpay.
The Evening Standard published the survey findings.
- Peak spending
- £243 on average for couples together 11 to 15 years
- Overall average
- £193
- 16 to 20 years together
- £189 on average
- More than 20 years together
- £180 on average
- Survey sample
- 4,000 people across the UK
- Survey commissioner
- Clearpay
What people are saying
Setting a budget you’re comfortable with, talking openly about expectations and planning ahead can take the pressure off, leaving you free to find something truly meaningful.