Christmas present inflation: Which gift prices have risen most and which have dropped?
Glassware, kitchen utensils and chocolate are among the Christmas presents which have risen the most in price this year.
Personal finance research and comparison website NimbleFins crunched the numbers to find which gifts are hurting wallets most - and also found a number of items that are now cheaper than they were in 2021.
Those looking to spoil a special someone with jewellery this Christmas will find prices are up 4.4% year-on-year, while clothing is up 1.4% and sports equipment is down 1.5%.
The biggest price increase is for chocolate which is up 9.8%
However a number of items have fallen in price year on year. So those looking for a good value gift could look at mobile phone equipment which has dropped in price by 7%.
Glassware, crystal-ware, ceramic ware and chinaware, which had risen 13% in 2023, has now dropped 6.5% in 2024.
Major appliances, games and hobbies and toys have all dropped in price.
Alcohol is often a popular present, and prices have stayed quite steady, rising just 1.5% year on year.
NimbleFins co-founder and CEO Erin Yurday said: "It feels like inflation has peaked for the UK but there are still some gifts which have soared this year. NimbleFins wants people to make the most of their money so hopefully this will help families pick better value items for their loved ones, and avoid those presents that have really gone up in price.
"Swapping chocolate for games or hobby entertainment might be more cost-effective for stocking fillers, or children, while those looking at bigger items might want to avoid jewellery and look at mobile phone or electrical equipment instead."
| Category | 1 year inflation rate (October 2023 to October 2024) | |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate | 9.8% | |
| Jewellery | 4.4% | |
| Books | 3.2% | |
| Alcoholic beverages overall (broken down below) | 1.5% | |
| Beer* | 1.6% | |
| Wine | 1.6% | |
| Spirits | 1.2% | |
| Clothing | 1.4% | |
| Personal care | 1.2% | |
| Non-electric kitchen utensils and articles | -0.5% | |
| Sports equipment | -1.5% | |
| Coffee machines, tea makers & similar appliances | -1.9% | |
| Games, toys and hobbies overall (broken down below) | -2.8% | |
| Major appliances and small electric goods | -3.6% | |
| Game and hobbies | -4.4% | |
| Toys and celebration articles* | -1.3% | |
| Glassware, crystal-ware, ceramic ware and chinaware | -6.5% | |
| Mobile phone equipment | -7.0% | |
In other research, NimbleFins has also calculated the average cost of electricity per kWh in the UK this year, as well as the varying costs people are facing across the country. Those in Yorkshire and East Midlands are paying less than those in Merseyside, North Wales and London, analysis showed.
Notes:
- The price of games, toys and hobbies overall has risen 2% but we broke these numbers down further to show games and hobbies had fallen 1% in price, while toys had increased 4%.
- Major appliances and small electric goods include: irons, kettles, heaters, electric fans, as well as large goods such as vacuum cleaners, fridge/freezers and washing machines.
- Personal care includes toiletries and hair and beauty products plus hair and beauty services.
- For a full breakdown see the ONS categories.