Christmas shopping habits revealed

Online gift shop Rex London asked customers about their gift-giving habits, including who they like to buy for and when they start their Christmas shopping, and the answers might surprise you!


  • 20% of shoppers buy their first Christmas present in September
  • The most popular month for people to buy their first Christmas present is January
  • Only 3.6% of people buy their first Christmas present in December
  • 37% of people spend a month deciding what to buy their partner for Christmas


A surprising 23% of respondents buy their first Christmas present in January, more than any other month, followed by September (20.1%) and October (18.3%). This skew towards January is likely driven by savvy customers shopping in the winter sales in a bid to spread the cost of Christmas. 


December was the least popular month, with just 3.6% of the voters admitting to last-minute shopping. 


It seems most of us do put some thought into what we buy for partners, with more than a third of people taking a month to decide on what to buy. Or, maybe our partners are just notoriously tricky to buy for; only 10% of people voted for them as their favourite people to buy for. 


Spare a thought for our in-laws though, who were revealed to be the least favourite people to buy for by 25.8% of respondents. It was the kids who came out on top, with a huge 56.2% of people choosing them as their favourite people to buy for.


Rex London is here to solve your gift-giving dilemmas this Christmas, with thoughtful treats for him and her, babies and teens, and even the dog.

*based on 1244 responses from the Rex London gift-giving survey 2024. Please contact the press office on press@rexlondon.com if you would like any further statistics from the survey, or require any product images or samples.

Rex London is a leading online retailer, selling a bright and eclectic collection of gifts and homeware since 1981. With such a diverse range of high-quality, affordable products across many categories, Rex London believes that no-one is impossible to buy for (yes, even the in-laws).

About Rex London

Rex London is a British lifestyle brand bringing joy-filled design to everyday living. Founded in 1981, the company has grown from a small trading business into a beloved name in gifts, homeware and accessories, supplying both independent boutiques and customers across the UK.


Known for its playful prints, soft retro colour palettes and an ever-evolving product selection, Rex London pairs instinctive buying with thoughtful in-house design. Many products are created through close collaboration with global makers, with the brand’s designers crafting distinctive packaging, character motifs and curated colourways that give each piece its unmistakable Rex feel.


Still guided by the same creative intuition that shaped its early years, Rex London continues to deliver cheerful, well-priced products made to delight.


For more: rexlondon.com


Rex London is represented by homes & interiors specialists jwcpr.


Stockist details

+44 (0)20 8746 2473 | http://www.rexlondon.com