As the 2025 Christmas season approaches, Spanish families are in no hurry to change their spending habits. The average budget for gifts, treats, and festive shopping remains almost unchanged from last year—around €580. Nearly half of those surveyed say their expenses will stay the same as last December. At the same time, a third are ready to increase spending, while one in five plans to save money instead.
Notably, the proportion of those planning to spend more has risen by six points compared to last year. In 2024, only 26% expected to increase their spending, while this year it’s already 32%. Still, the overall average bill has barely changed: €580 versus €583 a year earlier. Spaniards aged 40 to 44 remain the most generous, with an average budget reaching €648, well above the national average.
Gifts and Spending
There are no sharp changes when it comes to gift spending either. More than half of Spaniards (52%) plan to spend the same amount on presents as last year. A quarter of respondents intend to increase their budget, while 22% expect to cut back. This stability shows that holiday shopping in Spain still follows familiar patterns, without unexpected spikes.
Traditional holiday expenses—decorations, festive foods, and other seasonal purchases—have also remained largely unchanged. Only one in four residents is willing to increase their budget for these needs, while the rest prefer to stick to last year’s spending limits.
Best-selling categories
At the top of the most popular gifts list are perfumes and cosmetics, which nearly half of Spaniards (47%) plan to purchase. Fashion and clothing take second place (43%), followed by toys, although their popularity has dipped slightly compared to last year. Shoes and accessories have gained traction and now share fourth place, while books round out the top five at 32%.
Other product categories don’t even reach 20% demand, confirming that Spaniards still favor classic, personal gifts over trendy or expensive gadgets.
A second life for things
Interest in shopping on the secondhand market continues to grow. Already, 34% of Spaniards plan to buy pre-owned or refurbished gifts—up four points from last year. However, the average budget for such purchases has dropped by 8%, indicating a push for savings and more conscious consumption.
The most popular secondhand gifts include books (15%), clothing (13%), toys (12%), electronics (10%), and shoes with accessories (7%). Most of these purchases happen online, although the share of internet transactions has dipped slightly compared to last year.
Caution and restraint
Despite the growing interest in the second-hand market, many Spaniards still approach it with caution. The main reasons for reluctance are doubts about the quality and condition of goods, as well as insufficient guarantees. These concerns remain key barriers for those not yet willing to buy used items, even during the holiday season.
