Match research finds being single over Christmas has its benefits
Key Findings:
- Christmas is more than £100 cheaper for singles than those in couples, thanks to savings on presents and travel
- Singles more likely to spend the cash they save on Christmas pressies for themselves
- Just 35% of singles think it would be better to be in a relationship over Christmas
While being single at Christmas may not be everyone’s cup of tea, new research released today shows that it certainly has its benefits with those not in a couple having a significantly cheaper festive season, leaving them with extra cash to treat themselves.
As Christmas comes to an end, research by Match has found that singles save more than £100 in spending on presents and travel over the Christmas period compared to those in a relationship (£106 in total). Singles typically spend 37% less than their coupled-up peers on festive pressies (a total of £194 compared to £291) and also make a 26% saving on their Christmas travel.
Whilst some occasions (such as weddings and holidays) can be more expensive for those who are single, the festive season, it would seem, is a welcome exception. Without having in-laws to buy for, the average single buys seven presents every Christmas compared to 10 for those who are in a relationship, and also has to attend an average of one fewer family gathering over the festive period.
Thankfully, they’re able to put that extra time and money to good use. Match research shows that singles are far more likely to buy themselves a Christmas pressie, with those that do so spending an average of 28% more on their reward to themselves. By contrast, those in a relationship spend an average of £133 on presents for their partner, leaving them with little to lavish on themselves.
Although conventional wisdom might dictate that Christmas is the time of year when most of us want to be coupled-up, this was not a view shared by the majority of singles questioned, with only 35% of them agreeing. However, 63% of those in relationships said that it was better to be in a relationship than single over Christmas.
Kate Taylor, dating expert for Match, said:
“With the cost of Christmas increasing year on year, any savings we can find are welcome! Spending on significant others HUGELY ups your Christmas bills and your responsibilities too, with extra family to accommodate or travel to. Our message to singles this Christmas is clear: don’t get hung up on your single status, and use your extra spending money to really treat yourself!”
Christmas heralds the start of the busiest period of the year for Britain’s dating sites, with Monday 4th January predicted to see more online dating activity on sites such as Match than any other day in 2016.
ENDS
Brands2Life – 020 7592 1200 and matchconsumer@brands2life.com